Kanchanjungha train accident: Case of signal disregard, says Railway board chairman

The express train was travelling from Assam's Silchar to Sealdah in Kolkata when it was rammed by the goods train.

The collision led to 3 coaches of the Agartala-Sealdah Kanchanjungha Express train, which was stationed, to derail.

"The first indications suggest that this is a case of signal disregard. Kavach needs to proliferated, planned for West Bengal," says Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairman and CEO Railway Board.

The Railways suspect the driver of the goods train disobeyed the signal. The driver is one of the people who died in the accident.

Meanwhile, the rescue operation is over.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, "The railway accident in West Bengal is saddening. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to officials and took stock of the situation. Rescue operations are underway to assist the affected. The Railways Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw Ji is on the way to the site of the mishap as well."

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted on X, "Unfortunate accident in NFR zone. Rescue operations going on at war footing. Railways, NDRF and SDRF are working in close coordination. Injured are being shifted to the hospital. Senior officials have reached site."

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted on X, "Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details are awaited, Kanchenjunga Express has reportedly been hit by a goods train.

"DM, SP, doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue, recovery, medical assistance. Action on war-footing initiated."

Ashwini Vaishnaw and Mamata Banerjee are expected to reach the accident spot.