Guwahati, June 17: At least eight passengers were killed and around 25 others were injured in an train accident near Jalpaiguri in North Bengal on Monday morning informed the CPRO NF Railway.

According to reports, Kangchenjunga Express, which had departed from Agartala for Sealdah railway station in West Bengal collided with a goods train early morning.

“The incident took place at around 9 am in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district when Sealdah-bound Kangchenjunga Express (Train No. 13174) collided with goods train. Five passengers were killed and 30 others injured. We have rescued all of them and admitted them in hospital,” said an railway official.

Taking to X, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock over the incident.

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. DM, SP, doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue,…

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 17, 2024

She stated that she had just learned about the train accident in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details were awaited, the Kanchenjunga Express had reportedly been hit by a goods train.

Banerjee said that the District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, doctors, ambulances, and disaster teams had been rushed to the site for rescue, recovery, and medical assistance, and action on a war-footing had been initiated.

” The railway accident in West Bengal is saddening. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to officials and took stock of the situation. Rescue operations are underway to assist the affected. The Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is on the way to the site of the mishap as well” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X.

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has expressed shock saying the devastating incident has resulted in significant loss and injury.

Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha said the State Government is continuously monitoring the situation since morning.

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Tripura Bhawan officials have been instructed to visit accident site for proper monitoring of rescue and rehabilitation of accident victims. Cost of treatment of all injured will be borne by the State government. In case of any unfortunate accidental death, State Government has declared Rs. 2 lakhs ex-gratia payment to the next to kin of the victim.

The N.F Railway have launched a helpline desk at different stations with telephone services

Helpline No. GHY Station

03612731621

03612731622

03612731623

Helpline numbers Katihar
9002041952
9771441956

Emergency NJP
+916287801758

Read: World Bank to combat youth challenges in Meghalaya

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