In the latest update on Monday train accident in Bengal, as per the reports Nine people lost their lives and over 30 others were injured after. The accident occurred when the Kanchanjunga Express was hit from behind by a goods train, causing several of its compartments to derail.
The Kanchanjunga Express was traveling from Agartala in Tripura to Sealdah station in Kolkata when the collision happened near the Rangapani region, close to North Bengal’s New Jalpaiguri station. Three rear compartments of the train derailed, and one coach was flung into the air due to the impact of the collision.
#WATCH | Kanchenjunga Express train accident | West Bengal: Latest drone visuals from Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district, where the accident occurred, show the current situation at the site.
8 people died and around 25 got injured in the accident. Train services resumed… pic.twitter.com/QzlReDsFB5
— ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2024
Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairperson and CEO of the Railway Board, stated that a preliminary investigation revealed the goods train disregarded a signal, leading to the accident. However, internal documents suggested the automatic signalling system had failed, allowing the goods train to pass through red signals. The signalling system between Ranipatra station and Chattar Hat Junction was reportedly defective since early morning.
Rescue operations at the accident site have been completed. Financial aid has been announced for the victims: Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of the deceased, and Rs 50,000 for those injured. In addition, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for those grievously injured, and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries.
Response from Officials and Political Reactions
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the accident site and oversaw the relief operations. Congress has demanded his resignation, criticizing the ministry’s management. Congress’s Supriya Shrinate accused the minister of neglecting safety issues.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling the incident saddening. President Droupadi Murmu, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, and Union Minister JP Nadda also offered their condolences and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Assistance for Passengers
After the accident, the Kanchanjunga Express continued its journey to Sealdah with 15 coaches. Upon reaching Aluabari station, local voluntary organizations provided breakfast and other refreshments to the passengers. Snacks were distributed to those on board.
The railway authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause and prevent such incidents in the future.
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