Kanchenjunga train accident Railways will hold an inquiry in Bengal on June 19
Rescue efforts are underway after a collision between the Kanchanjungha Express and a freight train, near Rangapani railway station, on Monday, June 17, 2024. At least 15 people were killed and 60 others injured, officials said. (Photo: PTI)
The Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety, Northeast Frontier Railway, Janak Kumar Garg, will conduct a statutory inquiry on June 19 in connection with the Kanchenjunga Express tragedy that claimed eight lives and left 25 injured.
The examination will be held on June 19 from 10 a.m. in the ADRM/NJP room. The investigation may also be extended if necessary, a news release said.
“Members of the public having knowledge relating to the incident and any other matter connected therewith may appear and submit evidence at the inquiry on the said dates or write to the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety,” the official notice said.
Meanwhile, several trains were canceled while others were diverted today following the June 17 accident.
Train services resumed from Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district, where the accident occurred.
Surendra Kumar, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Katihar Northeast Frontier Railway, said, “Restoration work has been going on since night. The track of a locomotive was carried upstream along with two freight trains and a Shatabdi train towards NJP (New Jalpaiguri ) Junction) yesterday. Because it is an accident location, the test was also carried out with some caution.
Kanchanjungha Express arrived at its destination station, Sealdah in Kolkata in the early hours today after completion of restoration work.
A goods train allegedly ignored a signal at 8.55 am on Monday and hit the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express near Jalpaiguri station in north Bengal. The accident took place in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. At least eight people were killed and more than 25 people were injured in the accident.
A passenger who was on the train when it met with an accident expressed her concern and fear as she recalled the tragic incident.
“I was in S7 when this accident happened. We are very scared after this accident. My parents are also worried,” she said.
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has earlier attacked the central government for its alleged negligence towards the railways.
Kanchanjungha Express runs between Silchar in Assam to Sealdah in Kolkata.
(Only the headline and image of this report may have been reworked by Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is automatically generated from a syndicated feed.)
First print: June 18, 2024 | 10:51 am IST