Guwahati: In another tragic incident, the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express met with an accident after it collided with a freight train on Monday morning.
According to initial reports, two bogies of the Kanchanjungha Express derailed and many are feared to have died and several injured in the mishap. The accident occurred at around 9.30 am on Monday.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to X and wrote, “Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details are awaited, Kanchanjungha 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, and medical assistance. Action on war-footing initiated.”
The accident took place immediately after the train left from New Jalpaiguri station and as soon as the train reached the Rangapani area it is learnt that the Kanchanjungha Express was hit from behind by a freight train and the impact was such that two bogies derailed.
The railways officials have reached the site of the accident and rescue measures are currently going on.
Initial reports suggest that there was a signalling issue which resulted in both the trains running on the same track.
