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A tragic train accident occurred on Monday morning near New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. The Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express, traveling from Agartala, collided with a goods train near Rangapani station at around 9 am. This accident has led to the death of at least 15 people and left around 60 others injured.
The collision happened when the locomotive of the goods train hit the rear compartments of the Kanchanjungha Express. As a result, three rear compartments of the passenger train derailed. Rescue operations started immediately at the site, which is about seven kilometers from New Jalpaiguri station. Injured passengers were quickly moved to nearby hospitals for treatment.
A senior police officer confirmed the number of casualties and injuries, stating, "Five persons have died in the accident till now and around 30 people suffered injuries, which are not fatal." However, reports later confirmed that the death toll had risen to 15, with 60 people injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences for the lives lost in this accident. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said, "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. The Railways Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw Ji is on the way to the site of the mishap as well."
The divisional railway manager (DRM) of North Frontier Railway's Katihar division also commented on the situation, explaining that the 13174 Kanchanjungha Express was bound for Sealdah from Agartala when it collided with the goods train.
Local authorities and rescue teams are working tirelessly to clear the site and ensure the safety of any remaining passengers. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, but the immediate focus remains on rescue and relief efforts for those affected by this tragic incident.
The accident site near Rangapani has been cordoned off, and officials are making every effort to restore normalcy as soon as possible. The Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is personally overseeing the situation, ensuring that all necessary measures are taken for the injured and to support the families of those who lost their lives.
This tragic event has once again highlighted the importance of railway safety and the need for strict measures to prevent such accidents in the future. The government and railway authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collision and implement necessary changes to avoid any such incidents going forward.
In the wake of this tragic accident, the community and the nation mourn the loss of lives and extend their prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. This accident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and the urgent need to upgrade railway infrastructure to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
