Goods Train Collision with Kanchanjunga Express Sparks Safety Probe

18 Jun 2024 CW Team

In a tragic incident early Monday morning, a goods train collided with the Kanchanjunga Express in Rangapani, West Bengal, leading to an immediate investigation by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the probe, emphasizing the importance of identifying the accident's cause and preventing future occurrences.

Vaishnaw, who visited the accident site near New Jalpaiguri station in Siliguri, confirmed that rescue operations had been completed. He assured the public that restoring train services on this critical route connecting northeast India with the rest of the country is a top priority.

"The accident will be thoroughly investigated by the Commissioner of Railway Safety," Vaishnaw stated, underscoring the commitment to ensuring railway safety.

Earlier, Jaya Varma Sinha, chairperson of the Railway Board, suggested that human error might be a factor in the collision. She noted that the goods train, whose loco pilot succumbed to injuries, may have disregarded a signal, leading to the crash with the Kanchanjunga Express, which was en route from Agartala to Sealdah.

As the CRS investigation proceeds, the railway authorities are focused on both immediate and long-term measures to enhance safety and prevent similar incidents.

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