Goods train hits Kanchanjungha Express near Siliguri in West Bengal.

Incident overview

In a sad occurrence at Siliguri, North Bengal, a freight train collided with a stalled express train, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries. According to initial estimates, at least five people have died and over 30 have been injured, with the number anticipated to grow as rescue workers continue their efforts.

Eyewitness accounts

According to eyewitnesses, rescue personnel are still working to recover bodies from the heavily damaged Kanchanjunga Express carriages going for Sealdah. The driver of the cargo train was among those killed in the collision.

Comparison to previous accidents

The situation is similar to the horrific disaster in Balasore a year ago, when the speeding Coromandel Express crashed with a stalled cargo train, killing over 300 people.

Details of the collision

The incident occurred around 8:45 a.m. between the Rangapani and Nijbari stations, around 30 kilometers from New Jalpaiguri (NJP). The Kanchanjunga Express had just left NJP and was traveling to Sealdah via Kishanganj. Passengers on board stated that the train was moving slowly and had come to a stop when the cargo train collided with it.

Preliminary investigation findings

According to a North Frontier Railway (NFR) official, preliminary investigations suggest that the container train had run a signal and collided with the Kanchanjunga Express. The impact was most severe on two bogies, which included two parcel vans and a guard coach. The collision caused the derailed compartments to obstruct the opposite track, halting train movements between Siliguri and Kolkata and cutting off rail connections to the northeast.

Rescue operations

Local citizens were the first to respond and rescue the injured, followed by police, railway, and administrative personnel. According to Darjeeling Police Additional SP Abhishek Roy, the freight train collided with the Kanchanjunga Express at the rear. Five persons died. Around 25-30 persons have been harmed. The toll may grow. The engine of the freight train must be sliced with a gas cutter." NDRF teams have also joined the rescue operations, extricating at least two bodies thus far. Heavy rain in Siliguri throughout the morning has slowed rescue efforts.

Passenger reactions

A passenger on the train recounted the harrowing experience: "We felt a huge jolt and a loud noise and were thrown forward. Before we could understand anything, passengers started running in panic. We got off the train and ran towards the rear. One bogie had overturned, another was hanging in the air, and a third was badly mangled."

Official responses

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her concern on social media shortly after the accident. “I am shocked to learn about the tragic train accident in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details are awaited, the Kanchanjanga Express reportedly collided with a freight train. The DM, SP, doctors, ambulances, and disaster teams have been sent to the site for rescue, recovery, and medical assistance. Action has been initiated on a war footing,” she wrote.

Inquiry and further actions

The Railway Board has ordered an inquiry to determine whether signal failure or human error caused the accident. The loco pilots of the express train are being questioned. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also commented on social media, stating, “Unfortunate accident in the NFR zone. Rescue operations are ongoing at war footing. Railways, NDRF, and SDRF are working in close coordination. Injuries are being shifted to the hospital. Senior officials have reached the site.”