June 17, 2024: A tragic accident occurred in West Bengal on Sunday when a goods train collided with the Kanchanjunga Express. The incident took place near the New Jalpaiguri station around 2:30 PM. The impact was so severe that one of the passenger coaches was flung into the air.
According to initial reports, at least 9 people have lost their lives, and several others are injured. Rescue operations are currently underway, and authorities fear the death toll might rise. The local administration and railway officials have rushed to the site to assess the damage and provide assistance.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and devastating. “I heard a loud crash and saw the coach flying off the tracks. It was terrifying,” said Ramesh Gupta, a resident. Passengers were seen helping each other out of the mangled coach, while emergency services arrived swiftly to assist.
The Kanchanjunga Express, which travels between Sealdah and Silchar, was carrying many passengers at the time of the accident. Many of the injured have been taken to nearby hospitals. Doctors are working tirelessly to treat them. The condition of some passengers is reported to be critical.
Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal, sent her condolences to the victims’ families. She assured that all necessary measures are being taken to support those affected. “We are praying and thinking for the victims and their families.
We are doing everything possible to provide immediate relief,” she stated.
Indian Railways has ordered an investigation into the incident. Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has promised strict action against those found responsible. “We will leave no stone unturned in finding out the cause of this tragic accident. Safety is our top priority,” he said.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a signal failure might have caused the collision. However, officials are still gathering information to confirm the exact cause. The railway track at the accident site has been damaged severely, affecting train services on this route.
Passengers who were scheduled to travel on the Kanchanjunga Express are advised to check for updates and make alternate arrangements. Indian Railways is also arranging special helpline numbers for families to get information about their loved ones.
This tragic incident has once again raised concerns about railway safety in India. Experts are calling for more stringent measures to prevent such accidents in the future. “We need to invest more in modernizing our railway infrastructure and improving safety protocols,” said transportation expert, Ravi Verma. (Kanchanjunga Express)
As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on providing support to the injured and the families of those who lost their lives. The nation mourns the loss of lives in this unfortunate accident, hoping for the speedy recovery of the injured.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for enhanced safety measures in the railway sector. The government and railway authorities must work together to ensure such tragedies do not recur, prioritizing the safety and security of passengers. (Kanchanjunga Express)
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