New Jalpaiguri: The train was en route to Sealdah station in Kolkata from Tripura’s Agartala. There may be around ten to fifteen casualties, according to Katihar Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Katihar, and numerous injuries have been reported.
Atleast 2 compartments of Kanchenjunga Express derailed due to collison.
According to the divisional railway manager (DRM) of North Frontier Railway’s Katihar division, the accident happened at around nine in the morning on the 13174 Kanchanjunga Express, which was traveling from Agartala to Sealdah.
Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of Bengal, expressed concern about the accident and said that ambulances, doctors, and district magistrates have been rushed to the spot.
“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,” she posted on X.
President Droupadi Murmu, Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Chief Minister of Tripura Manik Saha, also expressed their condolences for the lives lost in the accident and wished the injured passengers a speedy recovery.
“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,” the President posted on X.
Rescue efforts are under way in intense rain, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) informed India Today. An emergency medical team has been deployed to the spot of the accident.
Regarding the issue, a separate helpdesk has also been setup at the Sealdah station. The helpline numbers for anybody looking for information or support regarding the accident are 033-23508794 and 033-23833326.
At Naihati station, a second help desk is being set up to provide passengers and their families additional assistance.
“Sealdah division is sincerely working to address the situation and provide assistance to those affected by the collision. We will continue to provide updates from time to time,” officials stated.
