At least five people have died and 25-30 others were injured after a cargo train collided with the Kanchenjunga Express passenger train in eastern India on Monday, according to local police. The collision occurred near Siliguri, below the foothills leading to Darjeeling, a well-known tourist destination.
The Kanchenjunga Express, traveling between Kolkata and Silchar, was hit by a freight train, causing significant damage and leaving at least one train car overturned and another elevated above an engine carriage. Emergency response teams, including doctors and ambulances, have been dispatched to the site, with injured passengers being transported to New Jalpaiguri for treatment.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed the accident on social media, emphasizing the swift emergency response. This incident follows a major train disaster in Odisha last year, which killed over 280 people and highlighted safety issues within India’s extensive rail network.
Despite efforts to improve infrastructure, India’s railways, which serve over 13 million passengers daily, continue to face challenges with outdated systems. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration has prioritized infrastructure upgrades, including significant investments in high-speed rail projects, as part of a broader economic strategy.
