Kanchanjunga Express Accident Highlights: Unaffected train portion reaches Malda town

After visiting the victims who were injured in the train accident in West Bengal's Darjeeling district, chief minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the central government over their alleged negligence towards Railways saying that they have only engaged in publicity of Vande Bharat trains.

“I started so many things, but they are only doing publicity of Vande Bharat trains. Where is Duronto Express? After the Rajdhani Express, Duronto was the fastest train. During the time of elections they inaugurate Vande Bharats. This does not work…” she said, according to ANI.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose met the injured of the Kanchenjunga Express train accident at North Bengal Medical College and said that all stakeholders should stand together in the hour of crisis, reported ANI.

"I saw the patients and discussed with the doctors, the situation is under control. They are being given the best treatment. They are being given the best medical facilities. This is a tragedy in which we will all stand together. All steps will be taken for the rehabilitation of those admitted to the hospital," Bose said.

The unaffected portion of Kanchanjunga Express has reached Malda town in West Bengal, reports PTI.

At least nine people were killed and 41 injured after a goods train rammed into the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express from behind in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district earlier today.

Hours after the train accident in West Bengal, which left nine people dead and dozens injured, top officials of the Indian Railways claimed that prima facie it was a human error which led to the accident.

“A goods train disregarded the signal and hit the Kanchanjunga Express from the rear. Prima facie it appears to be a human error. We will be able to know more about it after the enquiry. He (the driver of the goods train) was supposed to stop but it appears he didn’t stop. These are the first indications,” Jaya Verma Sinha, CEO and chairperson of the railway board told the media in New Delhi. Read more.

"I got the information at around 9 am. We sent medical vans with a team of doctors to the accident spot. The rescue operation was over within hours. I spoke to the patients," says West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee after meeting the injured at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital. (PTI)

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, while attacking BJP, said, “They (BJP) have so many talking points and beautification of words. It is just like fashion. But they don't take care of passengers' amenities.”

In a statement, the railway ministry said that nine people suffered grievous injuries and 32 simple or minor injuries.

The "Up line" has been cleared and train operations have started, it said and added that "the 'Down line' will also be cleared shortly.

Following the train mishap in Darjeeling of West Bengal, which claimed nine lives and left over 40 injured, the Tripura government has sent a 2-member team of officials of the state government to extend assistance to the injured, reports ANI.

The Opposition's INDIA bloc on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government over the West Bengal train accident, which led to the death of at least seven passengers and two employees. Read here.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is at the North Bengal Medical College in Siliguri to meet those injured in the train accident, reports ANI.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has condoled the loss of lives in the train accident in West Bengal.

"The loss of life in the train accident in Darjeeling, West Bengal is extremely sad and heart-breaking. My condolences are with the bereaved families. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to give a place to the departed souls in his feet and provide speedy recovery to the injured," he wrote on X in Hindi.

A total of 9 people have died in the train accident in West Bengal. Among them were 7 passengers and 2 railway staff.

Nine persons are hospitalised with serious injuries, while 32 others suffered minor injuries.

Johnson Chettri and Kisan Chettri had a miraculous escape while two of their fellow passengers went missing after a speeding goods train rammed into the Kanchanjunga Express on Monday morning in Darjeeling district, killing around 9 people.

Giving a first-hand account of the accident, Kisan said, “It was around 8.30am when I heard a big bang and felt a sudden huge jerk. I was playing games on my mobile. Immediately, our coach started tumbling as commotion filled the air inside the coach.” Read more.

"Commission of Railway Safety will conduct a thorough investigation. Rescue operation has concluded and now the focus is on restoration, this is the main line. We will identify the reason behind this accident and will take proper preventive measures for the future," says Union Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after reaching the accident site, according to PTI.

Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is at the train accident site in West Bengal's Rangapani.

On Kanchenjunga Express train accident, Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda alleges that the increase in railway accidents in the last 10 years is a result of the mismanagement and negligence of the Centre towards the railways.

“On behalf of the Congress Party, we pay our condolences. We pray for the speedy recovery of all those injured. The increase in railway accidents in the last 10 years is a result of the mismanagement and negligence of the Central Government towards the railways. Due to which, the lives of passengers are being lost every day. As a responsible opposition, we will continue to question this negligence and will seek answers from the government in Parliament as well."

Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has reached the accident site in West Bengal's Rangapani, reports PTI

The goods train that rammed into a Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express in West Bengal killing at least eight people appeared to have “disregarded the signal” to stop, Railway Board chairperson Jaya Varma Sinha says.

“Prima facie, it appears to be human error but we will know more after the inquiry,” Sinha told reporters. “Unfortunately, the driver (of the cargo train) also perished in the accident… So we have no authentic way of knowing what exactly happened. Whatever we can gather from the situation, it seems there was a disregard for the signal,” she said. Read more.

The Kanchanjunga Express accident has once again brought attention to the Kavach anti-collision system, which is set to be installed on all rail routes in the country.

Kavach, which is a made-in-India system for trains specifically designed to prevent collisions, is not yet installed on the train tracks in Darjeeling, where the Kanchanjunga Express train accident happened. Read more.

Criticising the Railway ministry, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee says: “…They (Railway ministry) don't care about passenger amenities. They don't even care about railway officials, railway engineers, railway technical staff and workers. They are also in trouble. Their old pension has been withdrawn. I am completely with the railway employees and railway officials. They are trying their best.”

She adds: "But this government only cares about the election. How to go for hacking, how to go for manipulation, how to go for rig the election... I think they should give more time for the governance, not for utterance."

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, before leaving for Darjeeling, says: “Our administration was alert even before the government of India received the information. I have also been monitoring the situation since 9 a.m. The entire administration, including the chief secretary, the DM, and the police... We have sent ambulances and doctors for the rescue operation.”

Puducherry chief minister N Rangasamy has expressed shock and deep sorrow over the death of passengers in the train accident in West Bengal.

Rangasamy said, "the mishap is a matter of deep sorrow, and I am shocked over the incident leaving several passengers dead. I convey my grief to the bereaved families."

Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has reached the Bagdogra airport in West Bengal. He will soon leave for the Kanchenjunga Express train accident site in Darjeeling district, reports ANI.

A total of 19 trains have been cancelled so far on the New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri Junction, Bagdogra and Aluabari Road routes in the wake of the major train accident in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district.

The accident blocked both Up and Down lines and halted train movements in the area, affecting long-distance train services from north Bengal and the country's northeastern part. Read more

The Tripura government is sending a team to the Kanchanjunga train accident site in West Bengal to provide all possible help to the passengers from the state, PTI reported, citing an official.

Tripura home secretary Pradip Kumar Chakravarty told reporters that chief minister Manik Saha has spoken to Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw over the accident and is personally monitoring the situation.

"The Kanchanjunga Express left Agartala station on Sunday. We have sought passenger data from the railway authority to check if there is any casualty from our state," Chakravarty said, according to PTI.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday expressed his condolences to families of those who lost their lives in the train accident in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district.

“The news of the death of many people due to the accident of Kanchanjunga Express in West Bengal is extremely sad. I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Rahul Gandhi posted on X in Hindi. Read more.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma tells reporters: "I have spoken to the Railway minister regarding the accident. The train was from Tripura & passes through Assam. There will be many passengers from Assam. We remain concerned about the passengers...Whatever needs to be done will be done..." (ANI)

West Bengal train accident LIVE: The automatic signalling system between Ranipatra Railway Station and Chattar Hat Junction in West Bengal, where the goods train hit Sealdah Kanchanjungha Express from behind, was defective since 5.50 in the morning, PTI is reporting, citing a source in the railway.

West Bengal train accident LIVE: The Monday morning collision near New Jalpaiguri happened because a goods train disregarded the signal and hit the Kanchanjungha Express, which was on way to Sealdah from Agartala, the Chairperson of the Railway Board has said, reported news agency PTI.

According to chairperson Jaya Varma Sinha, five people died in the incident, however, some local reports attributed to railway officials suggested the toll could be as high as 15.

"Five passengers have died. The loco pilot of the goods train and the guard of Kanchanjungha Express have also lost their lives. About fifty passengers have been injured and they have been admitted to the North Bengal Medical College," Sinha said.

West Bengal train accident LIVE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed sorrow over the accident of the Kanchanjunga Express. Taking to X, he wrote: "The news of the death of many people due to the accident of Kanchenjunga Express in West Bengal is extremely sad. I express my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured. The government should immediately provide full compensation to all the victims or their families."

The toll could rise, as multiple agencies of the state and Centre were simultaneously working on war footing along with locals to rescue passengers who could still be trapped inside, officials said.

The deceased include the pilot and co-pilot of the goods train, a senior railway official said.

Enchanced ex-gratia compensation will be provided to the victims - ₹10 lakhs in case of death and ₹2.5 lakhs towards grievous and ₹50,000 for minor injuries: Ashwini Vaishnaw, Railway minister

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to visit train accident site in New Jalpaiguri to take stock of relief operations, says official.

In the past 10 years, Modi Govt has indulged in the utter mismanagement of the Railway Ministry. As a responsible Opposition, it is our bounden duty to underline how the Modi Govt has systematically converted the Rail Ministry into a platform of 'Camera-driven' self-promotion! Make no mistake, we will remain persistent with our questions and shall make the Modi Govt accountable for its criminal abandonment of the Indian Railways: Mallikarjun Kharge

At least 15 people died and around 60 others were injured after a goods train collided with the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express near Rangapani station in West Bengal on Monday, police said.

Three rear compartments of the express train derailed under the impact of the collision from behind by the locomotive of the goods train, railway officials said.

Rescue operations are underway at the spot, about 30 km from North Bengal's New Jalpaiguri station, and the injured persons were being shifted to nearby hospitals.

"At least 15 people have died in the accident till now and 60 suffered injuries," a senior police officer told PTI.

"Rescue operation completed. The driver (Loco pilot) who disregarded the signal has died & also the guard of Kanchenjunga Express has lost his life. Help desks established at all railway stations along Agartala- Sealdah route, " says Jaya Varma Sinha Chairman & CEO Railway Board.

Three railway personnel among those killed in the tragic accident in West Bengal.

“Deeply saddened to hear about the tragic train accident in Darjeeling district, West Bengal. Heartfelt condolences go out to those who have lost their loved ones, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. May the almighty grant strength to the bereaved families during this difficult time,” tweets G Kishan Reddy.

Death toll in West Bengal train accident rises to 15, 60 injured, news agency PTI reported citing the official.

➡️ State Government is continuously monitoring the situation since morning.

➡️ Tripura Bhawan officials instructed to visit accident site for proper monitoring of rescue and rehabilitation of accident victims.

➡️ Cost of treatment of all injured will be borne by the State government

➡️ In case of any unfortunate accidental death, State Government has declared Rs. 2 lakhs ex-gratia payment to the next to kin of the victim.

PM @narendramodi has announced that an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the railway mishap in West Bengal. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.

On Kanchenjunga Express train accident in West Bengal, Former Railways Minister Dinesh Trivedi says, "It is too early to talk about the cause of it but in the modern times it required an inquiry and deep corrections...I am guessing that possibly this engine did not have 'Kavach' (an automatic train protection (ATP) system)...I've no doubt that the govt will take corrective action."

The railway accident in West Bengal is saddening. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to officials and took stock of the situation. Rescue operations are underway to assist the affected. The Railways Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw Ji is on the way to the site of the mishap as well.

NF Railway CPRO Sabyasachi De says, "Around 25 people have been injured and they have been shifted to the nearby hospital. They are non-fatal injuries. The rescue operation is going on a war footing. We are trying to finish the rescue operation as soon as possible. Senior officials have already reached the site. According to the preliminary information that Kanchenjunga was hit from the rear by a goods train...We have information of 8 deaths..."

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday left for West Bengal to take stock of relief operations after a goods train collided with the Kanchanjunga Express near New Jalpaiguri.

At least five persons died and around 30 others were injured after the accident near Rangapani station in West Bengal.

Soon after the accident, Vaishnaw said on X that, "Unfortunate accident in NFR zone. Rescue operations going on at war footing. Railways, NDRF and SDRF are working in close coordination. Injured are being shifted to the hospital. Senior officials have reached site."

On the Kanchenjunga Express train accident, RJD leader Bhai Virendra says, "The country whose railways have been privatised, accidents will happen in that country. Earlier, when accidents happened during the Congress and UPA government, ministers used to resign. Now, no minister resigns after such big accidents. We don't have any hopes from this government... This government is of a gang which is responsible for these things..."

“The news of the loss of lives due to a train accident in Darjeeling, West Bengal is deeply distressing. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and success of relief and rescue operations," President Droupadi Murmu tweeted.

“The loss of lives in a train accident in Darjeeling, West Bengal is truly distressing. I extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved families, and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” tweets Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is leaving for Darjeeling to visit Kanchenjunga Express train accident site

"10 buses of North Bengal Rashtriya Paribahan Nigam have left for the accident site to rescue stranded passengers of the Sealdah-bound Kanchenjunga Express. Also, additional bus services from Siliguri-Kolkata from Siliguri Tenzing Norgay bus terminus will be operational from this afternoon," says Partha Pratim Roy, Chairman, North Bengal Rashtriya Paribahan Nigam (NBSTC).

The incident happened at Rangapani area in the Katihar Railway Division ahead of New Jalpaiguri Junction at around 8:45 am today.

“The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) , the Divisional team and 15 Ambulances have reached the site and the rescue operation is in full swing,” an NFR official said.

“ Prima facie, it appears that the goods train overshot the signal and hit the rear portion of Kanchanjungha train,” he said, adding that "the railway board officials are monitoring the situation throughout the war room."

The Kanchanjungha train’s rear train consisted of two parcel vans and a guard coach.

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).

The divisional railway manager (DRM) of North Frontier Railway's Katihar division said unconfirmed reports suggest that a few persons may have been injured in the accident.

The two rear compartments were derailed under the impact of the collision from behind by the locomotive of the goods train near Rangapani station, about seven km from North Bengal's New Jalpaiguri station, he said.

Helpline No. at Guwahati railway station

03612731621

03612731622

03612731623

Help Desk number at Sealdah in connection with Kanchanjunga train collision:-

033-23508794

033-23833326

Preliminary investigation says goods train overshot signal and hit from behind. Top official told HT

"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, medical assistance. Action on war-footing initiated," Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal chief minister wrote on X

"Two persons are probably dead," said a senior railway official

The train was coming from Agartala and was heading to Sealdah station in Kolkata when the accident occured around 8:30am.

Several passengers were injured when a goods train rammed into the Kanchanjunga Express from behind in West Bengal's New Jalpaiguri on Monday morning. Read more