A collision between a goods train and the Sealdah-bound Kanchenjungha Express near Rangapani railway station resulted in the deaths of nine passengers and injuries to over 40 others. The collision occurred at 8:55 am near New Jalpaiguri railway station in Siliguri, between Rangapani and Chaterhaat stations, at least 10 km from New Jalpaiguri railway station in Siliguri, said Sabyasachi De, chief public relations officer for Northeast Frontier Railway.
Anil Kumar, a resident of Patna and the loco pilot of the goods train, died on the spot. Ashish De, who was a resident of Siliguri and the guard of the Kanchenjunga Express, also succumbed to his injuries in the train compartment shortly after the incident. Due to the incident, four coaches at the rear of the Kangchenjunga Express and five containers on the goods train were derailed, causing a blockage on both the up and down lines.
“Approximately nine individuals lost their lives, and around 25 were wounded. Adequate medical assistance is being provided to all the injured. The unaffected part of the Kanchanjunga Express has departed from the location and resumed its journey. The passengers on board the Kanchanjunga
Express was given food packets and water bottles.
The Indian Railway has declared compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of each deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for those with serious injuries, and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries,” said chief public relations officer, Northeast Frontier Railway Sabyasachi De. At least 50 individuals were reported to have sustained injuries, as stated by sources from North Bethesda Medical College and Hospital.
Among them, eight individuals were declared dead upon arrival. Around 37 individuals were admitted to the surgical department, including five who were in critical condition. Additionally, four individuals were admitted to the orthopaedic department, with one being in a critical state. The rescue team also retrieved body parts from the spot.
Later, four more people were admitted to the emergency ward. Caleb Subba, a resident of Gorubathan in Kalimpong who was working as the officer in charge of the excise department in Malda, passed away in the train accident. He was traveling from Siliguri to Malda on the SLR coach when the incident occurred. The department’s officials, headed by Commissioner Excise Sujit Das from North Bengal, received his body this afternoon after a post-mortem.
Family members were overwhelmed with grief upon seeing his body. Subba is survived by his wife and young son. Anil Kumar, a train driver, lived in a leased house in Dakshin Desh-Bandhu Para in Siliguri. When his wife received the news of her husband’s death, she and their two sons were left speechless.