Kanchanjunga Express Accident Highlights: Unaffected train portion reaches Malda town

Kanchanjunga Express Accident Update: Tragedy struck as 9 passengers lost their lives, and 41 others got injured when three rear coaches of the stopped Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express derailed due to a collision with a goods train in Darjeeling district, West Bengal, on Monday morning. There are concerns that the number of casualties might increase as rescue efforts continue to find any trapped passengers. Shocking visuals from the scene captured one of the coaches hanging in the air.

The incident occurred around 8:30 am, approximately 11 km away from New Jalpaiguri station in north Bengal, a significant hub in the Northeast Frontier Railway zone of eastern and northeastern India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared compensation of ₹10 lakh from PMNRF for the families of the deceased, ₹2.5 lakh for severe injuries, and ₹50,000 for minor injuries. Initial investigations suggest that the goods train’s driver ignored a signal, leading to the tragic event. Sadly, both the goods train’s driver and the passenger train’s guard are among those who lost their lives.

As a result of the accident, a total of 19 trains have been canceled on routes including New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri Junction, Bagdogra, and Aluabari Road. The mishap has disrupted train services in the region, affecting travel on long-distance routes from north Bengal and the northeastern part of the country.