5 Dead As Goods Train Crashes Into Kanchenjunga Express Near Bengal’s New Jalpaiguri

New Delhi: Five passengers died while several others were injured when a goods train rammed into Kanchenjunga Express at Ruidhasa in Darjeeling district of West Bengal on Monday morning.

“Five passengers have died, 20-25 injured in the accident. The situation is serious. The incident occurred when a goods train rammed into Kanchenjunga Express,” Additional SP of Darjeeling Police Abhishek Roy told ANI.

Kanchenjunga Express, which runs between Sealdah in West Bengal and Assam’s Silchar, was Sealdah-bound when the accident occurred around 9 am, divisional railway manager (DRM) of North Frontier Railway’s Katihar division, told news agency PTI.

Two coaches of Kanchenjunga Express have been derailed in the crash, it is learnt. The toll could climb as the clock ticks by.

#WATCH | Wagons of goods train have derailed after the train collided with Kanchenjunga Express at Ruidhasa in Darjeeling district of West Bengal pic.twitter.com/YZ0OmM6Fgd

— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2024

“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,” West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted on X.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed that NDRF, SDRF have been deployed and the injured are being shifted to hospital.

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.

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 17, 2024

Sealdah Eastern Railway has set up a control desk at Rangapani station following the accident.

Tourists travelling to Darjeeling frequently use Kanchenjunga Express.