A tragic train collision occurred on Monday in West Bengal’s Siliguri district, killing at least nine persons and injuring more than 30 others. The accident occurred when the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express collided with a goods train near the New Jalpaiguri station.
Preliminary Investigation Points To Human Error
Preliminary investigations indicate that the accident was caused by human error, as the driver of the freight train overshot the signal. The victims included the driver of the freight train, his assistant, and the guard of the Kanchanjunga Express.
Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue operations were promptly initiated, with the Railway Board, NDRF, and SDRF collaborating to give medical care and remove the injured. The rescue operations were complete, and the injured were sent to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Compensation for Victims’ Families
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock at the tragedy and announced that emergency reaction teams had been rushed to the scene. The Railway Minister announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of those slain.
Impact on Train Services
The Kanchanjunga Express is a popular train route connecting West Bengal to the northeastern states. The accident has the potential to disrupt train services in the region, although the exact extent of the disruption is yet to be determined.
Timeline of the Accident
9:00 AM: The Kanchanjunga Express collided with a goods train near the Rangapani station, about 7 km from New Jalpaiguri station.
9:30 AM: Rescue operations began, with emergency response teams and medical personnel rushing to the site.
10:00 AM: Preliminary investigations suggested that the cause of the accident was human error.
11:00 AM: Compensation was announced for the families of those killed.
12:00 PM: Rescue operations were completed, and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Conclusion
The train collision in West Bengal’s Siliguri district has left a trail of devastation, claiming the lives of nine people and injuring over 30 others. The incident highlights the need for continued improvement in rail safety measures to prevent such disasters from occurring in the future.