A goods train collided with Kolkata-bound Kanchenjunga Express in West Bengal's Darjeeling district, according to reports. The incident happened near Rangapani station in North Bengal.
As per initial reports, five have been declared dead. Over 25 have been injured, many of them still trapped inside the detailed coaches.
#WATCH | West Bengal | Wagon of Kanchenjunga Express train suspended in the air after a goods train rammed into it at Ruidhasa near Rangapani station under Siliguri subdivision in Darjeeling district today; rescue operation underway pic.twitter.com/rYnEfC3vic
— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2024
#WATCH | Goods train rams into Kanchenjunga Express train in Darjeeling district in West Bengal, several feared injured
— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2024
Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/8rPyHxccN0
The express train had just started its journey from New Jalpaiguri Station to Sealdah station in Kolkata when a goods train rear-ended it.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to X to confirm the news. Her post read: "Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details are awaited, Kanchenjunga Express has reportedly been hit by a goods train. DM, SP, doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue, recovery, and medical assistance. Action on war footing initiated."
The rescue work is ongoing but heavy rain in the area is hindering the work. The accident has also disrupted rail traffic along the route, which is the main rail link from Kolkata to Siliguri. Several long-distance train services have been temporarily stopped.
(To be updated)
