Kanchanjunga Express Accident Highlights: Signal Ignored By Loco Pilot Caused Clash, Says Railway Official
Kanchanjunga Express Accident Highlights: The Kanchanjunga Express has met with a massive accident resulting in several deaths. Stay with ABP Live for all the updates on the train accident.
The Chief Public Relations Officer of Eastern Railway, Kausik Mitra, stated that the initial cause of the Kanchenjunga Express train accident was the loco pilot of a goods train ignoring a signal.
Kanchenjunga Express train accident | Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety North East Frontier Railway, Janak Kumar Garg says, "Investigation is going to be started, an inquiry will start in the afternoon... It is an automatic signal territory and if the signals weren't working, the drivers need to follow a procedure. What mistakes have happened, that will come out of the investigation...All records and authorities that were provided have been sealed..."
The Government Railway Police (GRP) will start an independent investigation into the Kanchanjungha Express-goods train collision in West Bengal's Darjeeling District. According to news agency IANS, the probe will be based on a complaint filed by a passenger on the ill-fated train.
It is learnt that the passenger filed a complaint stating that human error led to damage of railway property. The complaint was filed at the GRP Station at New Jalpaiguri on Monday night against some unknown offender. This parallel investigation by the GRP will run side-by-side with the investigation by the office of the Commission of Railway Safety to find the reasons behind the mishap, IANS reported, citing sources.
That investigation will be carried out under the direct supervision of the Chief Commission of Railway Safety (CCRS) of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Janak Kumar Garg.
The ordeal of the passengers of the ill-fated Kanchanjunga Express, which was hit by a goods train near New Jalpaiguri leaving nine people dead and several others injured, ended early Tuesday morning when the undamaged coaches of the train reached its destination Sealdah station, an Eastern Railway official said, as reported by news agency PTI.
At least four coaches in the rear of the train were severely damaged in the collision at Rangapani, about 10 kilometres from New Jalpaiguri station, on a rain-soaked Monday morning in north Bengal.
Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, West Bengal Transport minister Snehasis Chakraborty and Divisional Railway Manager of Sealdah division Deepak Nigam were present at the station to ensure smooth dispersal of the passengers and onward movement to their homes, an official said.
Train services in both the up and down lines at Rangapani near West Bengal's New Jalpaiguri station were restored on Tuesday following repair work on a war footing, a senior official said, as reported by news agency PTI. Train operations on the route were hampered following an accident there on Monday morning when a goods train rammed Agartala-Sealdah Kanchanjunga Express from behind.
Kanchenjunga Express train accident | West Bengal: Latest drone visuals from Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district, where the accident occurred, show the current situation at the site. 8 people died and around 25 got injured in the accident. Train services resumed from the Phansidewa area this morning.
Following the Kanchenjunga Express accident that claimed eight lives and injured 25 people, several trains were cancelled while some were diverted on Tuesday, officials said.
According to an official release from the Northeast Frontier Railways, five trains, including (15719) Katihar-Siliguri Intercity Express, (15720) Siliguri-Katihar Intercity Express, (12042) New Jalpaiguri-Howrah Shatabdi Express, (12041) Howrah-New Jalpaiguri Shatabdi Express and (15724) Siliguri-Jogbani Intercity Express have been cancelled for today.
Train number 12523 from New Jalpaiguri to New Delhi Superfast Express has been rescheduled to leave at 12.00 hrs, as per the release by Northeast Frontier Railways Chief Public Relations officer Sabyasachi De.
West Bengal: Train services resume from the Phansidewa area of the Darjeeling district. Kanchenjunga Express train met with an accident in the Phansidewa area of the Darjeeling district, yesterday. 8 people died and around 25 got injured in the accident.
Kanchenjunga Express train accident | Surendra Kumar, DRM Katihar, Northeast Frontier Railway says, "For the last 24 hours all the railway workers have been working very diligently. There was incessant rainfall last night, yet they were working to restore the line...Almost 90% work has been done...All causes that could have contributed to this incident are being examined by CCRS..."
Kanchenjunga Express train accident: Morning visuals from the spot in the Phansidewa area of the Darjeeling district, West Bengal. Kanchenjunga Express train met with an accident in the Phansidewa area of the Darjeeling district, yesterday. 8 people died and around 25 got injured in the accident.
The unaffected portion of Kanchanjunga Express was brought to Malda town in West Bengal.
Union Minister and West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar arrived at the North Bengal Medical College in Siliguri to meet the people who were injured in the Kanchanjunga Express accident today.
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose met the people who sustained injuries in the Kanchanjunga Express accident at North Bengal Medical College in Siliguri.
Kanchanjunga Express Accident: Here are the drone visuals from the accident spot in the Phansidewa area of the Darjeeling district, West Bengal.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condoled the loss of lives in the Kanchanjunga train accident in West Bengal today.
In a post in Hindi on X, Adityanath stated: "The loss of life in the train accident in Darjeeling, West Bengal is extremely sad and heart-breaking. My condolences are with the bereaved families. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to give a place to the departed souls in his feet and provide speedy recovery to the injured."
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee slams Railways, "When I was the Railways Minister, I saw 2-3 major train accidents after that I ensured that the anti-collision device was prepared and started. After that collision of trains stopped. What is happening in the railways today, no one knows...There are several issues in the Railways Ministry. Separate Railways budget has been stopped and this department is not getting enough importance now...I know A-Z of the Railways, nothing new has been done. The new metro and railway stations are because of my time. Just see the 2020 vision, I gave money for everything..." (ANI)
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee met the injured at North Bengal Medical College in Siliguri. She said, "I got the information about the accident at 9 AM. Since then, I am managing the situation through my Chief Secretary and other officials. Medical vans, disaster teams, and doctors were sent to the site to help the injured and to begin the restoration work. I came here to see all the patients. There are patients from Bardhaman, Krishnanagar and locals as well. I had a conversation with most of the patients..."
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met the people who sustained injuries in the Kanchanjunga Express accident at a hospital in Darjeeling during his Bengal visit today.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met the people who sustained injuries in the Kanchanjunga Express accident at a hospital in Darjeeling during his Bengal visit today.
According to a report by news agency PTI, the automatic signalling system between Ranipatra Railway Station and Chattar Hat Junction in West Bengal, where the Kanchanjunga Express accident occurred, was defective since 5:50 AM in the morning.
After reaching the Kanchanjunga Express accident site, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated: "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. We will identify the reason behind this accident and will take proper preventive measures for the future."
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the Kanchanjunga Express accident site in West Bengal's Rangapani.
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar will reach Siliguri by 5:30 PM. "After reaching Siliguri, I will visit the hospital and meet those who were injured in the incident. Our MPs and MLAs are also present there. The Union Railway Minister will also reach there shortly," he said.
Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda expressed grief on behalf of Congress over the Kanchajunga Express accident and slammed the Centre for it saying that it was a "result of its mismanagement".
"I would like to express my grief over the death of 15 people who were killed in a train accident in Jalpaiguri. In the last 10 years, there has been an increase in rail accidents, and this is a result of the mismanagement of the Centre. Today's incident is an example of this. As a responsible opposition, we will raise questions over this in the Parliament," Hooda said.
Before leaving for Darjeeling, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said: "Our administration was alert even before the government of India received the information. I have also been monitoring the situation since 9 am. The entire administration, including the chief secretary, the DM and the police... We have sent ambulances and doctors for the rescue operation."
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reached Bagdogra airport. He will visit the Kanchenjunga Express train accident site in Darjeeling district shortly.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed condolences to the bereaved families. He posted on X: "The train accident that occurred in New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal is very tragic. I express my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate accident and wish a speedy recovery for the injured."
West Bengal Darjeeling MP Raju Bista visits train accident site in Ruidhasa, he says, "The train coaches which were in good condition have been sent to Sealdah by attaching an engine to them. Our priority is to clear the track. NDRF and SDRF present at the spot."
Kanchanjunga Express train accident: Visuals from the accident spot where rescue operation is underway.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to visit train accident site in New Jalpaiguri to take stock of relief operations: Official
Kolkata: Eastern Railway on Monday said an emergency passenger train from Sealdah will leave for the accident site at Rangapani in north Bengal to bring back stranded passengers, ER CPRO Kaushik Mitra said, as reported by United News Of India.
According to UNI, besides the train, the North Bengal State Transport (NBST) would run 10 maxi buses to get back the stranded passengers. Mitra, also confirmed that the scheduled Kanchenjunga Express tonight would leave as per
In a post on X, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that he is extremely distressed by the Kanchanjunga Express train collision accident. Expressing grief of the accident, the Congress chief also wished a speedy recovery of the injured.
"Extremely distressed by the Kanchanjunga Express train collision accident in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, where many people have lost their lives and several have been injured. The scenes of the accident are painful. Our heart goes out to the families of the victims. In this hour of grief, we express our solidarity and condolences to each one of them. We wish a speedy recovery to the injured. Immediate and full compensation must be provided to the victims. In the past 10 years, Modi Govt has indulged in the utter mismanagement of the Railway Ministry," Kharge said.
"As a responsible Opposition, it is our bounden duty to underline how the Modi Govt has systematically converted the Rail Ministry into a platform of 'Camera-driven' self-promotion ! Today's tragedy is yet another reminder of this stark reality. Make no mistake, we will remain persistent with our questions and shall make the Modi Govt accountable for its criminal abandonment of the Indian Railways," he further stated.
Helpline numbers for assistance and information regarding the derailment of Kanchenjunga Express in West Bengal.
Kanchanjunga Express Train Accident: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed his sorrow over the Kanchanjunga Express train accident in West Bengal's Darjeeling.
The Prime Minister took to X and said, "The railway accident in West Bengal is saddening. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to officials and took stock of the situation. Rescue operations are underway to assist the affected. The Railways Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw Ji is on the way to the site of the mishap as well."
Death toll in West Bengal train accident rises to 15, 60 injured: Official.
Teams of NDRF and Police are present at the Kanchenjunga Express train accident site in Ruidhasa, Darjeeling district of West Bengal; 5 passengers have died in the accident.
Indian Railways officials in Delhi are monitoring the situation at the accident site in West Bengal. Five passengers have died and many were injured after a goods train rammed into Kanchenjunga Express train in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal today.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is leaving for Darjeeling to visit Kanchenjunga Express train accident site
In a post on X, President Droupadi Murmu said, "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 Railways says the NDRF has begun its rescue operation.
The government has issued several helpline numbers to provide information on the accident.
Howrah
03326413660
03326402242
03326402243
Katihar
9002041952
9771441956
New Jalpaiguri
+916287801758
Sealdah
033-23508794
033-23833326
Lumding
03674263958
03674263831
03674263120
03674263126
03674263858
Guwahati
03612731621
03612731622
03612731623
"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," says Abhishek Roy, Additional SP of Darjeeling Police.
The Goods train driver involved in the Kanchanjunga Express accident is dead. But his body is stuck inside the engine coach. Rescue personnel said the rake would have to be accessed by cutting through the hull with gas-cutters.
At least 5 people died and more than 30 were injured after a goods train hit Kanchanjunga Express train in Darjeeling district. Two coaches of Sealdah-bound Kanchenjunga Express derailed after it was hit by the goods train near the New Jalpaiguri station. The accident occurred at around 8:45 am at Rangapani station, just before the train was to reach New Jalpaiguri station.
Background
Kanchanjunga Express Accident Highlights: The Kanchanjunga Express suffered a massive accident on Monday when it was hit by a goods train from behind. Initial reports indicated that the goods train ran through a signal near Phansidewa, Jalpaiguri. So far reports of at least 5 deaths have come in. Over 100 passengers are feared to have suffered various degrees of injuries.
Two coaches of the Sealdah Kanchanjunga Express were derailed as a result of the collision. One of the coaches was sent flying in the air and then landed on the roof of the goods train. Several bogies of the goods train were also derailed. Police, SDRF, and NDRF have taken over the rescue operation. RPF is also at the site. The engine of the goods train will need to be freed with a gas cutter.
The divisional railway manager (DRM) of North Frontier Railway's Katihar division said unconfirmed reports suggest that a few persons may have been injured in the accident. The two rear compartments were derailed under the impact of the collision from behind by the locomotive of the goods train near Rangapani station, about seven km from North Bengal's New Jalpaiguri station, he said.
Kanchanjungha Express Train Accident: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Expresses Concern
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in a post on X, said: “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.”
West Bengal Train Accident: Ashwini Vaishnaw To Reach Darjeeling
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will reach Darjeeling later today to take stock of the situation at the accident site. Meanwhile, Railway officials are monitoring the situation at the accident site. Teams of NDRF and Police are present at the spot to carry out rescue operations.
The 13174 Kanchanjunga Express was bound for Sealdah from Agartala when the accident occurred around 9 am, the railway official said. The government has set up a helpdesk at Sealdah railway station for the Kanchenjunga train collision 033-23508794, 033-23833326. Scores of people gathered around the accident site. The train was going from Agartala to Kolkata.
Stay tuned to ABP LIVE for all Kanchanjunga Express train accident live updates.
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