Kanchanjungha Express Train Accident: Helpline numbers, casualties, injured, cause. Here is all we know so far; 10 points

In a tragic event on Monday morning, a goods train collided with Sealdah-bound 13174 Kanchanjungha Express near New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. As per report, over a dozen passengers lost their lives, while nearly 60 are injured in the mishap. The incident occurred around 9 am near Rangapani, close to the New Jalpaiguri station, according to PTI.

Kanchanjunga Express Accident: Ex-gratia Announced

PM Modi has announced ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakhs from PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to each injured in the railway accident in West Bengal.

Kanchanjunga Express Accident: Casualties

As per PTI reports, at least 15 passengers are dead. Local police reported that at least 60 people have been injured in the accident. The exact number of casualties remains unknown as rescue operations are ongoing.

"Driver and assistant driver of the goods train and guard of Kanchenjunga Express train have died in the incident," says Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairman & CEO Railway Board.

Read More: Kanchanjunga Express Accident Live Updates

Kanchanjunga Express Accident: Helpline Numbers

Injured passengers and their family members can seek assistance by calling the following numbers. Help Desk numbers at Sealdah in connection with the Kanchanjunga train collision:
033-23508794
033-23833326

Helpline number for GHY Station:
03612731621

Helpline Numbers Guwahati Station:
0361-2731621
0361-2731622
0361-2731623

Helpline Numbers at Katihar :
9002041952
9771441956

Lumding helpline numbers:
03674263958
03674263831
03674263120
03674263126
03674263858

KIR Emergency Help Desk No. - 6287801805
NJP Station Emergency No. - 6287801758
AUB Emergency No. - 8170034235
KNE Emergency No. - 7542028020 & 06456-226795
DLK Emergency No. - 8170034228
BOE Emergency No. - 7541806358
SAMSI Emergency No. - 03513-265690, 03513- 265692

Kanchanjunga Express Accident: How the accident happened

The accident happened due to a human error. As per reports, the accident took place due to low visibility as goods train overshot the signal and both the trains came on the same track. The bogies were mangled after Kanchujungha express collided with freight trains. "It seems there's a disregard of signal but we will know the real reason after a detailed investigation," said Railway Board chairman Jaya Verma.

The crash led to the derailment of at least two rear compartments of the Kanchanjunga Express. The locomotive of the goods train rear-ended the express, resulting in substantial damage and the derailment of the compartments.

Kanchanjunga Express Accident: Bengal CM, Rail Minister's Statement

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee took to social media platform X to inform the public about the incident. "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," Mamata said in the post.

She further added, "DM, SP, doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue."

Speaking about the accident, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said: "Unfortunate accident in NFR zone. Rescue operations going on at war footing. Railways, NDRF and SDRF are working in close coordination. Injured are being shifted to the hospital. Senior officials have reached site."