By Muita Njambi
15 people have died and 60 others injured in a tragic train crash in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal.
The accident took place early on Monday morning when a goods train collided with the stationary Kanchenjungha Express in the new Jalpaiguri area.
Striking images from the scene depict one wagon of the express train suspended in the air, highlighting the severity of the collision.
The exact cause of the crash remains unknown prompting authorities to launch a detailed investigation to uncover the circumstances leading to the accident.
A passenger rescued from the Kanchenjungha Express reported sustaining a head injury, stating, “I was traveling in b1 coach when the train was hit.”
Emergency response teams, including ambulances and disaster relief units, have been deployed to the site for rescue operations.
“We are trying to complete the rescue operation as soon as possible,” railway official, Sabyasachi de told reporters.
“The preliminary information we have is that the Kanchenjunga express was hit from the rear by a goods train,” the railway official added noting that the precise cause will be confirmed following the investigation.
The federal railway’s minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, assured that relief teams are working closely with railway officials to assist the injured, who are being transferred to hospitals.
“The injured are being shifted to the hospital. Senior officials have reached the site,” he posted on X, formerly Twitter.
In response to the collision, the railways have established a control desk with a helpline number at Rangapani station, near the crash site.
This incident follows a catastrophic train accident in the eastern state of Odisha last year, which resulted in approximately 290 deaths and over 1,000 injuries.
Authorities remain focused on completing rescue efforts and providing medical aid to the injured. The detailed investigation is expected to shed light on the reasons behind the tragic incident.