5 dead, several injured as Kanchanjungha Express collides with goods train in Darjeeling; helpline numbers issued | India News

NEW DELHI: At least five died, and over 20 people were seriously injured after the Sealdah-bound 13174 Kanchanjungha Express collided with a goods train on Monday morning near New Jalpaiguri, a senior North Frontier Railway (NFR) official confirmed.
The incident occurred around 9 am near Rangapani, close to the New Jalpaiguri station. The Kanchanjungha Express was en route from Agartala to Sealdah when the accident took place.
“Five passengers have died, 20-25 injured in the accident. The situation is serious. The incident occurred when a goods train rammed into Kanchenjunga Express,” said Abhishek Roy, additional SP of Darjeeling Police told reporters.

The collision resulted in the derailment of at least two rear compartments of the Kanchanjungha Express. The locomotive of the goods train struck the express train from behind, causing significant damage and derailment of the compartments.
The divisional railway manager (DRM) of NFR’s Katihar division said the impact of the collision led to the derailment of the train’s rear compartments near Rangapani station, approximately seven kilometers from New Jalpaiguri station.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock and concern over the incident. In a post on X, she said, “Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details are awaited, Kanchenjunga Express has reportedly been hit by a goods train..”
She further said, “DM, SP, doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue,” she said.

Union rail minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also commented on the incident, saying, “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 the site.”

Authorities have initiated rescue operations, and disaster response teams, including the NDRF and a divisional team with 15 ambulances, are providing medical assistance and support to the affected passengers.
Ministers are also coordinating efforts from the war room. Meanwhile, help desks have been set up to assist concerned individuals. The contact numbers are as follows:
Sealdah help desk:
033-23508794
033-23833326
Guwahati station helpline:
0361-2731621
0361-2731622
0361-2731623