Kanchanjunga Express Train Accident: Goods Train Driver Disregarded Signal, Says Railway Board Chief
West Bengal Tragedy: The Kanchanjunga Express train met with a catastrophic accident on Monday in West Bengal when it collided with a goods train. The chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, Jaya Varma Sinha, stated that the collision was due to the loco pilot of the goods train overlooking the signal.
Deadly Impact: The express train, heading to Sealdah, was hit from behind near Jalpaiguri railway station in Darjeeling district at 9 am, causing its three rear coaches to derail. The goods train was en route to Kolkata.
Casualties and Response: The collision claimed 15 lives. Authorities are now scrutinizing railway safety protocols and signal compliance to prevent such incidents in the future.
15 Killed as Goods Train Rams Kanchanjunga Express in West Bengal
A head-on collision between a goods train and the Kanchanjunga Express train in West Bengal on Monday resulted in the death of 15 people and injuries to many others. The accident occurred near Rangapani station, close to New Jalpaiguri, when the loco pilot of the goods train, who is among the deceased, disregarded a signal, according to Jaya Varma Sinha, the chairman and CEO of the Railway Board.
The Kanchanjunga Express, travelling from Agartala in Tripura to Sealdah in Kolkata, was struck from behind by the goods train. The force of the impact derailed the last three coaches of the passenger train.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Rescue teams were rushed to the scene immediately after the accident. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals, including the North Bengal Medical College, for treatment. Railway officials confirmed that rescue operations are now complete.
Investigation Launched
The Commissioner of Railway Safety has been appointed to investigate the cause of the accident. The disregard for the signal by the goods train driver is a primary focus of the investigation.
Official Statements
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and announced support for the injured. The Railway Board has also promised a thorough investigation and assured that the injured receive the best possible medical care.
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