Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Raghubar Das and Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Monday expressed grief over loss of lives in the rail mishap, involving Kanchanjungha Express, in Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
In a message on X, the Raj Bhavan said, “Governor is saddened to learn about the tragic train accident in West Bengal and conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims. The Governor has also prayed for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured.”
Majhi has also expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in the train accident near Jalpaiguri. “Chief Minister Mohan Majhi is anguished by the loss of lives in the tragic train accident in Darjeeling district of West Bengal. He conveys his condolences to the bereaved families and prays for the speedy recovery of the injured,” CMO Odisha posted on X.
The former CM Naveen also took to his X handle to mourn the loss of lives in the train crash. “Deeply saddened to know about the tragic loss of lives after Kanchanjungha Express met with an accident in West Bengal. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief and pray for the speedy recovery of those who are hospitalised following the Train Accident.”
Nine passengers, including 2 Railway employees, died and 50 others were injured as three rear coaches of the stationary Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express derailed this morning after a goods train rammed into it near Rangapani station, close to New Jalpaiguri. While nine others have been grievously injured, 32 have sustained minor injuries, according to ECoR sources.
President Droupadi Murmu has also extended her condolences and prayers to the bereaved families and wished the injured a swift recovery.
Stating that the train accident is saddening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased in the railway mishap. The injured will receive Rs. 50,000.
Railway Board chairperson Jaya Verma Sinha told the media that the accident took place around 9 am and added that it was the result of a minor human error as the driver of the passenger train overshot the signal. The limited casualties is being attributed to the fact that the rear part of Kanchanjunga Express comprised of parcel coach and the guard’s coach and the passenger compartments further ahead suffered less impact.
“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. This is not the time for politics. I will also meet the injured… We will identify the reason behind this accident and will take proper preventive measures for the future,” Union Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said after reaching the accident site.
The Railway Minister has also announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh in case of death, Rs 2.5 lakh towards grievous and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries.
Nineteen trains were cancelled following the accident.
Ten buses of North Bengal Rashtriya Paribahan Nigam also left for the accident site to rescue stranded passengers, Partha Pratim Roy, Chairman, North Bengal Rashtriya Paribahan Nigam (NBSTC) told ANI, adding that additional bus services will begin later in the day.
People can dial the below mentioned helpline numbers to seek help for the family members, friends and acquaintance known to have injured in the train accident.
033-23508794
033-23833326
Helpline No. GHY Station
03612731621
03612731622
03612731623
