The 13174 Kanchanjungha Express, traveling from Agartala to Sealdah, was involved in the collision with the goods train.The divisional railway manager of NFR’s Katihar Division reported unconfirmed injuries to a few individuals due to the accident.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee took to social media platform, X and announced that disaster response teams have been dispatched to the site to conduct rescue operations and provide assistance to the passengers.
“Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details are awaited, Kanchanjungha Express has reportedly been hit by a goods train,” Mamata said in the post.
She further said, “DM, SP, doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue,” she said.
The exact number of casualties or injuries is not yet known as rescue efforts are still underway.
Further details about the cause of the collision and the extent of the damage are awaited as the rescue operations continue.