Eyewitness Account: 'A Massive Jolt, Screams, And Then Darkness' — Passengers Recount Kanchanjunga Nightmare

Kanchanjunga Express Accident: On Monday, the Kanchanjunga Express was hit by a goods train in Phansidewa, killing at least 5, including the freight train's driver, and injuring more than 30.

Kanchanjunga Express Accident: The rear end of the Kanchanjunga Express and the goods train. ( Image Source :ABP Ananda )

Monday's Kanchanjunga Express accident in Siliguri's Phansidewa brought back the horrific memories of the Odisha Balasore train accident that occurred exactly a year ago. The Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express was hit by a goods train on Monday resulting in 5 deaths, including the driver of the freight train were killed. At least 30 people were injured. Many passengers are feared to be trapped in the derailed coaches of the Kanchanjunga Express. ABP Ananda spoke to the passengers of the train, who described their helplessness and chaotic situation

The Kanchanjunga Express was going from Agartala to Kolkata. The accident took place between Nijbari and Chatterhat stations in the Nirmaljote area of ​​Phansidewa near Rangapani station around 8:45 am. According to railway sources, the driver of the goods train broke the signal and hit the rear end of the stationery Kanchenjunga Express. Three coaches of the passenger train derailed.

पश्चिम बंगाल में हुई रेल दुर्घटना में कई यात्रियों की मृत्यु की खबर पीड़ादायक है।

कांग्रेस परिवार की संवेदनाएं शोकाकुल परिजनों के साथ हैं। घायलों को शीघ्र स्वास्थ्य लाभ मिले, यही कामना है। pic.twitter.com/eKSnBDGOkg

— Congress (@INCIndia) June 17, 2024

The two end cars were hurled onto another set of tracks about 20 feet away. Another coach was seen hanging over the goods train. Initial reports indicated that the goods train had jumped a signal, resulting in the accident. 

A passenger, who was on the ill-fated Kanchanjunga Express, Jhuton Ghosh, said: "We were jolted by the sudden crash. Everyone inside was screaming. No help was available immediately — neither railway officials nor fire service personnel were there. No emergency service was available. Had there been officials present in the first place, the loss of life might have been prevented."

Another passenger recounted his nightmare on the Kanchanjunga Express. He said, "How did two trains come on one set of tracks? There was negligence on the part of the railways. There were so many passengers there... Will there be no liability? I suddenly felt a jolt. Then there were loud screams and then total darkness. We quickly got out of the train to save our lives."

Another passenger told news agency ANI that a minor fire also broke out on the train. 

NDRF and SDRF trains are at the site carrying out rescue operations. They are using gas cutters to cut through the hull of the train.

(With inputs from ABP Ananda.)