A tragic train crash in West Bengal’s New Jalpaiguri area has left eight people dead and around 60 injured. The accident occurred when a goods train collided with a stationary passenger train, the Kanchenjungha Express, on Monday morning.
Dramatic visuals from the scene showed one wagon of the express train suspended in the air, highlighting the severity of the crash. Authorities suspect “human error” as the cause of the accident and have promised a thorough investigation.
India, with one of the largest train networks in the world, faces challenges in upgrading its railway infrastructure. The accident prompted a swift response from rescue teams and officials, with ambulances and disaster teams dispatched to the site immediately.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock at the incident and assured that action was being taken urgently. The dead include the driver and assistant driver of the goods train, as well as the guard of the Kanchenjungha Express.
Rescue operations have been completed, according to Jaya Varma Sinha, CEO of the Railway Board. The injured are receiving treatment at a medical college in Siliguri city, with a focus on providing the best medical aid possible.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and announced compensation for the affected. The railways have set up a control desk with a helpline number for assistance.
This tragic incident has once again raised concerns about railway safety in India, with opposition leaders criticizing the government for mismanagement. The government and railway ministry have yet to respond to these accusations as the nation mourns the loss of lives in this devastating train crash.
