Train accident in Darjeeling: death toll rises to nine, nearly 50 injured
The mishap occurred when the freight train collided with the Kanchanjunga Express at the Farsideva area of the Darjeeling district.
KATHMANDU: An incident occurred in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India, on Monday, when a freight train collided with the Kanchanjunga Express passenger train, resulting in at least nine fatalities.
The mishap occurred when the freight train collided with the Kanchanjunga Express at the Farsideva area of the Darjeeling district.
Three compartments of the passenger train derailed and fell onto the adjacent ground beside the railway tracks.
This incident marks the latest in a series of accidents within India’s extensive railway network, which serves millions of passengers daily.
Chairperson of the Indian Railway Board, Jaya Varma Sinha, issued a statement confirming approximately 50 injuries and stating that those affected have been admitted to hospitals for treatment.
Sinha stated, “Preliminary investigation suggests that the freight train disregarded the signal and collided with the passenger train from behind.”
The fatalities include the train driver, assistant driver, guard, and five passengers, as confirmed by Sinha.
PM Modi & CM Banerjee Express Condolences
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on social media to the families of the deceased. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the incident as “unfortunate.”
Shortly after the accident, Banerjee directed the dispatch of ambulances and disaster response teams to the scene, emphasizing the need for swift rescue operations.
Local police chief Iftikar-ul-Hasan reported, “Many injured have been evacuated from the wreckage. However, the condition of four injured individuals remains critical, indicating that the death toll may rise.”
Darjeeling district police chief Praveen Prakash confirmed that rescue operations have been completed, and efforts are underway to clear the wreckage from the site.
