Eight people were killed and around 50 injured on Monday when a goods train driver missed a signal and crashed into the Kanchenjunga Express, causing three carriages to derail. The accident, which occurred in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district, is the latest in a series of mishaps plaguing India's extensive rail network.
Railway Board Chairman Jaya Varma Sinha confirmed that the dead included the driver and co-driver of the goods train, a train guard, and five passengers. The guard wagon and two post carriages at the rear of the passenger train absorbed much of the impact, preventing more casualties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed their condolences, while rescue operations quickly commenced. Local police reported that the death toll could rise, with several critically injured.
This incident follows other recent rail disasters in India, highlighting ongoing safety challenges despite significant investments in upgrading the network.
Railway Board Chairman Jaya Varma Sinha confirmed that the dead included the driver and co-driver of the goods train, a train guard, and five passengers. The guard wagon and two post carriages at the rear of the passenger train absorbed much of the impact, preventing more casualties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed their condolences, while rescue operations quickly commenced. Local police reported that the death toll could rise, with several critically injured.
This incident follows other recent rail disasters in India, highlighting ongoing safety challenges despite significant investments in upgrading the network.
