India train collision claims 15 lives

The collision between the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express and a goods train resulted in the loss of at least 15 lives and left around 50 individuals with severe injuries, according to a high-ranking North Frontier Railway (NFR) official.

The incident took place in the vicinity of Rangapani, situated near the New Jalpaiguri station, Calcutta, India

The accident occurred at approximately 9 am while the Kanchanjungha Express was traveling from Agartala to Sealdah. The train had been progressing along its designated route when the unfortunate collision with the goods train transpired, leading to the tragic consequences.

Three rear compartments of the express train derailed under the impact of the collision from behind by the locomotive of the goods train, railway officials said.

Rescue operations were underway at the spot, about 30 km from North Bengal’s New Jalpaiguri station, and the injured persons were being shifted to nearby hospitals.

Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnawa, who visited the accident site promised to conduct thorough investigation into the incident.