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Eight individuals have tragically lost their lives and approximately 60 others have been injured in a devastating train collision that shook the New Jalpaiguri area of West Bengal early Monday morning, according to reports.
The incident unfolded when a goods train collided with the stationary Kanchenjungha Express, leading to a catastrophic scene where dramatic visuals captured one of the express train’s wagons suspended in the air.
Authorities suspect “human error” as a probable cause for this horrific crash and have assured a thorough investigation.
Emergency services, including ambulances and disaster response teams, were promptly dispatched to the site immediately following the accident at 08:55 local time (03:25 GMT). However, despite their swift response, the casualties include the driver and assistant driver of the goods train, as well as the guard aboard the Kanchenjungha Express.
Jaya Varma Sinha, CEO of the Railway Board, confirmed in a press conference that rescue operations have concluded, with the injured currently receiving treatment at a medical college in Siliguri city.
She emphasized, “Our first priority is ensuring that those injured receive the best medical care possible.”
Preliminary reports from railway officials indicate that the Kanchenjungha Express was struck from behind by the goods train, but Sabyasachi De, another railway official, stated that the exact cause would only be determined after a detailed investigation but acknowledged that initial findings suggest the goods train’s driver may have disregarded a signal.
Sinha further highlighted the need for expanding the Kavach automatic train protection system in West Bengal to prevent future tragedies. Meanwhile, local police officials mentioned that the goods train’s engine suffered significant damage, with three coaches of the express train derailed as a result of the collision.
Despite the challenges posed by heavy rainfall in the area, rescue efforts persevered. Relief operations were meticulously executed to avoid using gas cutters, which could endanger survivors trapped within the train.
Reacting to the disaster, Federal Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assured coordinated efforts between relief teams and railway authorities, pledging full support to the victims and their families.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to those who lost their loved ones and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
In response to the tragedy, Modi announced compensation of 200,000 rupees ($2,394, £1,890) for the families of the deceased and 50,000 rupees for each injured passenger. A control desk with a helpline has been set up at Rangapani station, near the collision site, to provide assistance and information to affected individuals.
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