A critical train accident involving the Kanchanjunga Express (Train 13174 Down Agartala – Sealdah) occurred yesterday, June 17th. The express train was struck from behind by a container goods train near Rangapani station, around 10 km from New Jalpaiguri, in the Katihar division of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).
Emergency teams with medical personnel and equipment were promptly deployed to the scene following the accident reported around 8:55 AM. Thankfully, rescue efforts have been completed. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and NFR General Manager Chetan Kr. Shrivastava, along with other senior officials, visited the site and a hospital in Siliguri to oversee rescue operations and offer support to the injured.
The accident tragically resulted in the loss of 9 lives, including 7 passengers and 2 railway staff members. Additionally, 9 passengers sustained serious injuries, and around 32 others received minor injuries. All those injured are receiving medical attention.
The accident caused the derailment of 4 coaches from the rear of the Kanchanjunga Express and 5 wagons of the goods train, blocking both up and down lines. While the debris on the up line was cleared by 5:40 PM yesterday, efforts are ongoing to restore the down line as quickly as possible.
Railway authorities ensured stranded passengers received adequate food and water. Helpline numbers were activated at major stations to provide assistance.
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Several trains scheduled to arrive or depart from New Jalpaiguri were diverted via alternative routes due to the accident. Additionally, a number of trains were cancelled (see Annexures for details, not included here).
Indian Railways announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs. 10 lakh to the families of each deceased person, Rs. 2.5 lakh for those grievously injured, and Rs. 50,000 for passengers with minor injuries.
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