Goods train collides with Kanchanjunga express near New Jalpaiguri

A freight train hit the Kanchenjunga Express (13174) from behind at around 9 am on Monday morning in Darjeeling, West Bengal. 3 coaches of the Kanchenjunga Express were badly damaged in the accident. So far, the bodies of 15 people, including two loco pilots and a guard, have been recovered, while 60 are injured.
The Kanchenjunga Express was going from Agartala to Sealdah in West Bengal. The express train was stopped due to a red signal at Ruidhasa near Rangapani station in Siliguri. Meanwhile, a freight train coming from behind hit it. It is suspected that the pilot of the freight train ignored the signal, which led to the accident.
The collision was so strong that a coach of the express train is hanging in the air on the engine of the freight train. The other two coaches were derailed. Railway and Bengal officials, including NDRF and SDRF, are also engaged in the rescue operation.
The Railway PRO said – The track on which the accident took place will be made operational by night. Down Kanchenjunga Express will also run at night. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has left for Darjeeling from Delhi.
Rescue operation continues
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said – The accident in the North-East Frontier (NFR) zone is sad. Rescue operation is going on at war footing. Railways, NDRF and SDRF are working together. The injured are being taken to the hospital, senior officials have reached the spot.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said – Very sad to know about a train accident in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling. DM, SP, doctors, ambulance and rescue team have reached the spot for relief rescue work and taking people to the hospital.