Kanchenjunga Train Accident: Emergency Helpline Numbers Activated In Bengal, Assam Stations

Kanchanjungha Express train met with a tragic accident in Phansidewa, West Bengal, resulting in 5 deaths and over 30 injuries. Rear compartments derailed after being hit by a freight train.

Kolkata: Exactly one year after the devastating Balasore train accident that occurred in June 2023, another tragic railway accident rocked India Monday morning. The Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express was hit by a freight train from behind in Phansidewa, near Siliguri in North Bengal. The rear two compartments derailed and were severely crushed. 

So far, reports confirm five deaths and at least 30 injuries. 

Several helpline numbers have been activated to assist those affected.

Emergency Helpline Numbers Activated After Horrific Kanchanjunga Express Accident

The railway authorities have set up helplines for assistance. The helpline numbers for different stations are as follows:

• Sealdah: 033-23508794 and 033-23833326


• Howrah: 033-26413660, 033-26402242, and 03326402243


• Aluabari Road station in North Dinajpur: 8170034235


• Dalkhola station: 8170034228


• Kishanganj: 7542028020 and 06456-226795


• Naihati: 033-25812128


• Guwahati, Assam: 03612731621, 03612731622, and 03612731623


• New Bongaigaon station in Assam: 9435021417 and 9287998179

 

Rail Services Hit In North Bengal, Vande Bharat Stranded In Malda

The collision caused a severe disruption to rail services in North Bengal. The Vande Bharat Express, travelling from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri, was stranded at Malda Town station at the time of writing. The railway authorities have activated a specific helpline number in Malda for assistance.

Three coaches of the train derailed as an impact of the collision. The driver of the freight train is among the five persons whose deaths have been confirmed. 
At least 30 people have been injured, and there are concerns that many passengers may still be trapped. 

Raju Bista, the BJP MP from Darjeeling, has reached the accident site. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said he is closely monitoring the situation.

Taking to X, Prime Minister Nadendra Modi said he spoke to officials to take stock of the situation.

"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," he posted.

More details are awaited.