Chaos Unleashed by Signal Disregard
Early today, a tragic accident occurred when the Kanchenjunga Express, travelling from Agartala to Sealdah, was hit from behind by a goods train. Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, confirmed that the goods train disregarded the signal, leading to this horrific collision.
Lives Lost and Injuries Sustained
Initial reports indicate that at least nine people have lost their lives. Some local sources suggest the death toll could rise to fifteen. This large number of deaths was caused by the train that was headed for Sealdah taking the brunt of the crash.
Destruction and Damage
The guard’s coach and two parcel vans of the Kanchenjunga Express were destroyed. Thankfully, due to the positioning of these coaches, the passenger compartments were largely unaffected. However, the general compartment was also impacted, causing additional injuries.
Immediate Rescue Efforts
Rescue operations were prioritized immediately. Jaya Varma Sinha mentioned that the local area officer and his team, along with the NDRF, Army, and state administration, reached the accident site promptly. The accident site is about 10 km from the New Jalpaiguri station.
Signal System Failure
A Railways source revealed that the automatic signaling system between Ranipatra Railway Station and Chattar Hat Junction in West Bengal was defective since 5:50 am. The accident occurred approximately three hours later, after the Sealdah Kanchenjunga Express departed Rangapani station at 8:27 am and stopped due to the signaling failure.
Condolences and Compensation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences for the dead in this tragic accident. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is scheduled to visit the site and has announced ex-gratia compensation. Families of the deceased will receive ₹10 lakh, those seriously injured ₹2.5 lakh, and those with minor injuries ₹50,000.
Loss of Railway Staff
Jaya Varma Sinha also confirmed the loss of lives of the goods train driver and the guard of the express train in the accident. About fifty passengers have been injured and are being treated at the North Bengal Medical College.