A tragic train collision in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district on Monday has resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people and left dozens injured. The devastating accident occurred when a freight train collided with the Kanchanjunga Express passenger train, according to reports from Al Jazeera.
Initial investigations suggest human error as the likely cause of the collision, highlighting the persistent safety issues within India’s extensive rail network, which experiences hundreds of accidents each year.
Rescue operations are ongoing as emergency responders, including police, national disaster response forces, doctors, and local residents, work tirelessly to find survivors amidst the wreckage.
Senior police official Abhishek Roy reported that the death toll could rise as debris is cleared from the mangled train carriages. Nearly 30 people have been injured, receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals.
Three railway staff members were among the fatalities, confirmed by Northeast Frontier Railway spokesperson Sabyasachi De. The collision’s impact derailed four compartments—one passenger coach and three cargo cars—after the freight train’s driver allegedly ignored a signal and struck the rear of the express train.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has responded swiftly to the disaster, deploying emergency teams, including doctors, ambulances, and disaster response units, to the crash site near New Jalpaiguri station. Describing the situation as “tragic” and the response as “action on war-footing,” Banerjee underscored the severity of the incident.
Dramatic television footage revealed the aftermath of the collision, with one compartment thrust into the air and another crumpled at the rear. A large crowd gathered as rescue teams continued their urgent search for survivors.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assured that the injured are receiving necessary medical care and confirmed that efforts are being made to support the affected families during this harrowing time.
