Eight individuals have been confirmed dead in a devastating train collision that occured in New Jalpaiguri area of West Bengal early Monday morning.
Approximately 60 others have been injured, according to reports.
The incident occurred when a train carrying goods collided with the stationary Kanchenjungha Express.
Emergency services, like ambulances and disaster response teams, were sent to the site quickly after the accident at 08:55 local time (03:25 GMT). Despite their fast action, the driver and assistant driver of the goods train, along with the guard on the Kanchenjungha Express, did not survive.
Jaya Varma Sinha, CEO of the Railway Board, announced at a press conference that the rescue efforts have finished, and the injured are being treated at a medical college in Siliguri city.
“Our first priority is ensuring that those injured receive the best medical care possible,” she said.
Indian Authorities suspect “human error” as a probable cause for this horrific crash and have assured a thorough investigation.
Sinha also emphasized the need to extend the Kavach automatic train protection system in West Bengal to prevent similar accidents in the future. Local police added that the goods train’s engine was heavily damaged, and three coaches of the express train were derailed due to the collision.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the incident, extended condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones, and wished the injured a swift recovery.
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