Train Accident Today in Darjeeling: A goods train hit the Kanchenjunga Express parked near Jalpaiguri in West Bengal from behind. Three bogies were badly damaged in the accident. Now eight people are reported dead and many injured in this accident.
Kanchenjunga Express bound for Sealdah in West Bengal met with an accident near New Jalpaiguri on Monday morning. He was hit from behind by a goods train. This accident was so terrible that three bogies of the train derailed after the collision with the goods train.
While many bogies were hoisted in the air. 15 people died, while a large number of people were injured. Let us know how the accident, which brings back memories of the Balasore train accident in Odisha, happened.
Signal system was faulty early in the morning
Railway sources have made a shocking revelation. It is being told that the automatic signaling system between Ranipatra Railway Station and Chhatar Hat Junction of West Bengal was out of order since 5.30 am.
Sources said that train number 13174 (Sealdah Kanchenjunga Express) departed from Rangapani station at 8.27 am. It had left and stopped between Ranipatra railway station and Chhatar Haat at 5.50 am due to breakdown of the automatic signaling system.
— Northeast Frontier Railway (@RailNf) June 17, 2024
What issued TA 912?
Another railway official said that when the automatic signaling system fails, the station master issues a written authorization called TA 912, which gives the driver the right to cross all the red signals in the section due to the fault.
He said that the Station Master of Ranipatra had issued TA 912 for Train No. 1374 (Sealdah Kanchenjunga Express). The official further said that at the same time a goods train GFCJ left Rangapani at 8.42 am and from the rear of 13174. Collided. Due to this, the guard coach, two parcel coaches and a general seating coach derailed.
Driver ignored signal?
The Railway Board had said in its initial statement that the driver of the goods train had ignored the signal. The total number of deaths in this accident is said to be eight. Although some local officials say that this number could be up to 15.
this is the rule
Sources said only investigation will reveal whether the goods train was given TA 912 to cross the broken signals at high speed or whether it was the loco pilot who violated the broken signal rule. If the latter was the case, the driver had to stop the train for one minute at every failed signal and proceed at a speed of 10 km per hour.
The loco pilot’s organization has questioned the Railways’ statement that the driver violated the red signal. Sanjay Pandhi, working president of the Indian Railway Loco Runningmen’s Organization (IRLRO), said, ‘It is highly objectionable to hold the loco pilot responsible for the accident. He also lost his life in the accident. The CRS investigation is pending.
Railway Board made a shocking revelation
Railway Board Chairperson and CEO Jaya Verma Sinha said that the rescue operation has been completed. The driver (loco pilot) driving the train had ignored the signal, due to which the accident occurred. However, he also died in the accident. At the same time, the guard of Kanchenjunga Express has also lost his life. He said that help desks have been set up at all the railway stations on the Agartala-Sealdah route.
A box of Kanchenjunga is hanging in the air: A box of Kanchenjunga is still hanging in the air. According to sources, many people including the driver, co-driver, Kanchenjunga guard have died.
Additional bus services for passengers: Bus services have been arranged by the North Bengal National Transport Corporation to evacuate the stranded passengers of Kanchenjunga Express. North Bengal National Transport Corporation Chairman Parthapratim Roy said 10 buses have left for the accident site. He said that Siliguri-Kolkata additional bus service will start from Siliguri Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminal from Monday afternoon.
Efforts continue to maintain normal service: An Eastern Railway official said that the movement of trains in North Bengal is normal. Trains stuck in Malda division have left. Service will be restored from the line adjacent to the line where the accident occurred. Trains will operate on a single line.
Helpline numbers for assistance and information regarding the derailment of Kanchenjunga Express in West Bengal. pic.twitter.com/ctwkZQc5m7
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) June 17, 2024