Kanchanjungha Express which runs between Silchar in Assam to Sealdah in Kolkata was Sealdah bound when a goods train hit it from behind near Rangapani station.
New Delhi: The Indian Railways on Monday cancelled over 19 train and diverted several other trains after a goods train rammed into Kanchenjunga Express train in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district. At least 15 passengers were killed and over 60 people sustained injuries in the train tragedy.
Kanchanjungha Express which runs between Silchar in Assam to Sealdah in Kolkata was Sealdah bound when a goods train hit it from behind near Rangapani station, located close to New Jalpaiguri in North Bengal, according to Sabyasachi De, Chief Public Relations Officer – Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).
19 Trains Cancelled: Check Full List
4 Trains Diverted: Check Full List
- Train No 13142 New Alipurduar – Sealdah Teesta – Torsha Express (Journey commencing on 17.06.2024).
- Train No 12344 Haldibari – Sealdah Darjeeling Mail (Journey commencing on 17.06.2024).
- Train No 12378 New Alipurduar – Sealdah Padatik Express (Journey commencing on 17.06.2024).
- Train No 15658 Kamakhya – Delhi Brahmaputra Mail (Journey commencing on 17.06.2024).
Rescue Operations Underway, Says Vaishnaw
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing. “Unfortunate accident in NFR zone. Rescue operations going on at war footing. Railways, NDRF and SDRF are working in close coordination. The injured are being shifted to the hospital. Senior officials have reached the site,” Vaishnaw posted on X.
Sealdah Eastern Railway has set up a control desk at Rangapani station. Visuals from the site showed a wagon of Kanchenjunga Express train suspended in the air.
Personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Divisional Railway officials have reached the accident site. A total of 15 ambulances and medical equipment have also reached the site of the mishap.