Anirban Roy
Kanchenjunga Express Accident: It was around 8:40 am in Siliguri city clock, people were in a hurry to go to work, during this time ‘he’ was returning from the mosque after reading Azan, when he heard a loud sound. He ran towards the direction of the sound, and what did he see, a horrifying scene. He saw that one coach of the train was vertically on top of the other coach. Seeing the scene in front of him, it seemed as if the picture of last year’s Coromandel Express accident started playing in front of his eyes. There was screaming all around, he came to know that the train had become a victim of a terrible accident.
Actually, the Kanchenjunga Express going from Sabroom to Sealdah collided with a freight train near Rangapani station at around 9 am. At the same time, Padatik Express narrowly escaped the accident because it was also coming towards New Jalpaiguri at the same time. The Kanchenjunga Express collided with a freight train already standing on the track, due to which two coaches derailed. More than 12 people, including three railway employees, have died in the accident. What did the people on the train say?
Freight train hit from behind
An eyewitness said that the Down Kanchenjunga Express had reached New Jalpaiguri on time this morning. The accident took place between Nichbari and Rangapani stations when a freight train came from behind and hit it hard. Two coaches of the Kanchenjunga Express had also derailed.
the speed of the train is not very fast
A passenger on the train said, ‘The speed of the train was not very fast. It seemed that the train was going at a speed of 20 kilometers. I was still sleeping. Suddenly there was a big jerk. Our coach was a little behind. After the train stopped, I saw that S4 and S5 had separated. I saw that the two coaches behind it had overturned. Everyone was screaming and crying. Another passenger said, ‘No one came to help after the accident. We came out on our own. I am very scared.’
3 railway workers were also killed
One of the deceased is the guard of Kanchenjunga Express, Ashish Dey, who hails from Siliguri. The other two are the loco pilot and assistant loco pilot of the goods train, however, the death toll is expected to rise. About 60 people have been injured in the accident. Rescue teams of railways, army and police are carrying out rescue operations.
What did the people living near the accident area say
Mohammad Hakim, a resident of the nearby area, said, ‘I was returning home after Eid prayers. Suddenly, I heard a loud noise. I saw that the goods train had collided with the Kanchenjunga train. As soon as possible, we villagers came and tried to remove the bodies. Many people were injured. I took out 5-6 bodies. The injured have been taken to the medical center.’
More than 60 people injured
Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb said, ’42 people have been admitted to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital. Twenty people have been admitted to Phansidewa Rural Hospital. Rescue teams have been sent to the hospital. This accident is very unfortunate.’
Tags: train accident, west bengal
FIRST PUBLISHED : June 17, 2024, 17:03 IST