Several passengers have suffered injuries after an express train collided with a goods train in Darjeeling district of West Bengal this morning. Kanchanjungha Express was travelling from Silchar in Assam to Sealdah in Kolkata when a goods train hit it from behind near Rangapani station, located close to New Jalpaiguri.

Two coaches of the Kanchanjungha Express have been derailed in the crash, it is learnt. More details about the accident are awaited.

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said doctors and disaster response teams have been rushed to the spot.

“Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details are awaited, Kanchenjunga Express has reportedly been hit by a goods train. DM, SP, doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue, recovery, medical assistance. Action on war-footing initiated,” she posted on X.

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The good trains that hit a Kolkata-bound express train this morning in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district had overshot the signal, officials said.

At least five people died and two dozen passengers suffered injuries after the express train traveling from Silchar, Assam to Sealdah, Kolkata was hit by the goods train from behind near Rangapani station, close to New Jalpaiguri.

Two coaches of the express train were derailed, it is learnt.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the injured are being shifted to the hospital.

“Unfortunate accident in NFR zone. Rescue operations going on at war footing. Railways, NDRF and SDRF are working in close coordination. Injured are being shifted to the hospital. Senior officials have reached site,” he said.

A war room has been set up in Delhi to coordinate rescue measures.

Disaster response teams and medical help have been rushed to the site, said an online post by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

“Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details are awaited, Kanchenjunga Express has reportedly been hit by a goods train. DM, SP, doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue, recovery, medical assistance. Action on war-footing initiated,” she posted on X.