Kishanganj: A devastating train collision involving the Kanchenjunga Express and a freight train has left at least 15 people dead and over 50 injured, with Kishanganj and the wider region of Bihar reeling from the incident. The Kanchenjunga Express, en route from Agartala to Sealdah, was struck from behind by a freight train, resulting in a tragic accident between Rangapani and Nijbari in West Bengal.
The accident occurred just before the Kanchenjunga Express was scheduled to arrive at Kishanganj, heightening the impact on the local community.
Among the deceased are three railway employees, including two loco pilots and a guard. The railway authorities have officially confirmed eight deaths so far. Railway Board Chairman and CEO Jaya Verma Sinha stated that the Kanchenjunga Express was stationary when it was hit, with the collision causing significant damage to the guard’s coach, two parcel vans, and several general coaches.
Initial investigations reveal that the freight train was allowed to pass through all red signals due to a failure in the automatic signaling system. Internal railway documents indicate that the driver of the freight train had received a written approval, known as TA 912, from the station master of Ranipatara, authorizing him to proceed despite signal failures. The automatic signaling system between Rangapani (RNI) and New Jalpaiguri (CAT) had been out of order since early Monday morning.
Rescue operations were in full swing, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team on-site. Police, railway officers, and administrative officials were coordinating efforts to evacuate trapped passengers and provide medical assistance to the injured. The collision caused two bogies to climb over each other, with one parcel van left precariously hanging in the air.
Kishanganj railway station has set up a helpline (752028020) for information and assistance. The railway community mourns the loss of their colleagues, paying tearful tributes to loco pilot Anil Kumar before sending his body to Begusarai.
