Official announcements from the Government of India

15 Dead, Over 60 Injured in Train Collision Near Siliguri, West Bengal

Jun 17, 2024, 06:36 AM

A tragic train accident occurred in West Bengal's Darjeeling district on June 17, 2024, when a goods train collided with the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express near Rangapani station in Siliguri. The collision resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people and injuries to over 60 others. The impact caused three bogies of the passenger train to derail. Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the police working at the scene to extricate trapped passengers and clear debris. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is en route to the accident site to oversee the relief efforts and has announced an enhanced ex-gratia compensation for the victims. The cause of the collision is currently under investigation.