Tragic Train Derailment in West Bengal: Nine Lives Lost, Over 30 Injured
On Monday, a devastating train derailment near Siliguri in West Bengal cast a somber shadow over the nation. The Kanchanjunga Express, en route from Agartala in Tripura to Sealdah in Kolkata, met with a catastrophic collision with a goods train, resulting in the tragic loss of nine lives and injuries to over 30 passengers. The accident occurred in the Rangapani region near North Bengal's New Jalpaiguri station.
Rescue Operations Concluded, Investigation Underway
Following the collision, rescue operations were swiftly initiated and have now been completed. The injured victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for immediate medical attention, while the mangled train compartments were removed from the tracks.
According to Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, preliminary investigations suggest that the accident was caused by human error. The first indications suggest that this is a case of signal disregard, she stated. The inquiry is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in due course.
Signal Disregard Emerges as Prevailing Theory
The driver of the goods train, his assistant, and the guard of the Kanchanjunga Express are among those who have succumbed to their injuries. While the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, initial reports indicate that the driver of the goods train may have overshot a signal, leading to the collision.
Officials and Politicians Express Condolences, Pledge Support
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. He also directed Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to visit the accident site and oversee relief efforts. President Droupadi Murmu, Chief Minister of Tripura Manik Saha, and Union Minister JP Nadda also expressed their deepest sympathies.
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, expressing shock and grief over the incident, rushed to the accident site to assess the situation and offer support to the affected families.
Financial Assistance Announced for Victims and Injured
In a gesture of compassion, the Prime Minister's Relief Fund (PMNRF) has announced a financial aid of ₹2 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 to those who sustained injuries. Additionally, Railways Minister Vaishnaw has sanctioned ₹10 lakh to the bereaved families, ₹2.5 lakh for the grievously injured, and ₹50,000 for those with minor injuries.
Seeking Accountability and Improvements
While the investigation into the accident is ongoing, the tragedy has sparked questions about the safety measures in place on Indian railways. The Congress party has criticized the government's handling of railway operations, citing a recent spate of train accidents. Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader, alleged negligence and mismanagement by the Modi government.
Passenger Assistance and Information
For those seeking information or assistance related to the accident, special help desks have been set up at Sealdah station in Kolkata and Naihati station. Contact the following numbers for inquiries:
Sealdah Station: 033-23508794, 033-23833326n Naihati Station: Helpdesk to be established
Railway officials have assured that all efforts are being made to address the situation and provide assistance to those affected. Updates will be provided as they become available.
