West Bengal train accident: Death toll rises to 15 after goods train collides with Kanchanjungha Express

Fifteen people were killed after a passenger train, Kanchanjungha Express headed for Sealdah near Kolkata in West Bengal, collided with a goods train on Monday (Jun 17) morning.

Death toll rises to 15; rescue ops completed

"At least 15 people have died in the accident till now and 60 suffered injuries," a senior police officer told PTI.

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In an update,Jaya Varma Sinha Chairman and CEO of theRailway Board said that the rescue operations have been completed and that the driver of the train was among those who were killed.

"Rescue operation completed. The driver (Loco pilot) who disregarded the signal has died & also the guard of Kanchenjunga Express has lost his life. Help desks established at all railway stations along Agartala- Sealdah route,"Sinha told ANI.

The accident between the 13174 Kanchanjunga Express from Agartala and a goods train took place at around 8:45 am (local time) on Monday near Rangapani close to New Jalpaiguri station,which falls under the Indian Railways’ Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) zone.

PTI, citing a senior railway official, said threerear compartments of the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express derailed after a goods train collided with it near New Jalpaiguri station.

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The Kanchanjungha Express operates between Silchar, Assam and Sealdah, Kolkata. The Sealdah Eastern Railway setup a control room at Rangapani station following the accident.

According to local officials, the accident alsoaffected long-distance train services. Notably,New Jalpaiguri station in north Bengal is one of the largest and busiest stations in theNFR zone.

Indian PM, president react to accident

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X and called the accident "saddening". He also said that India’s Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was on his way to the site of the mishap.

"The railway accident in West Bengal is saddening. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to officials and took stock of the situation. Rescue operations are underway to assist the affected," said PM Modi.

The Indian PM also announced thatan ex-gratia of $2,394 (Rs 2 lakh)would begiven to the next of kin of each deceased. Additionally, those injured will receive $599 (Rs 50,000).

The railwayminister said that the cost forthe treatment of all those injured will beborne by the state government.

Vaishnaw later took to X and announced an "enhanced ex-gratia compensation" for the victims:$11,968 (Rs 10 lakh) in case of death, $2,992 (Rs 2.5 lakh) forgrievous and$599 for minor injuries.

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“The news of the loss of lives due to a train accident in Darjeeling, West Bengal is deeply distressing. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and success of relief and rescue operations,” said the President of India, Droupadi Murmu.

“Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district,” said Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, in a statement.

She added, “DM, SP, doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue, recovery, medical assistance. Action on war-footing initiated.”

(With inputs from agencies)