Kanchanjungha Express Accident: Freight Train Driver Ignored Signal, Says Railway Board The Railway Board has released a preliminary report on the tragic Kanchanjungha Express accident that occurred in West Bengal’s Alipurduar district on July 11, 2023. The report has attributed the accident to the negligence of the driver of a freight train. According to the report, the freight train was traveling on a wrong line and ignored a red signal at the New Mainaguri railway station. This led to a head-on collision with the Kanchanjungha Express, which was approaching the station on the correct line. The report states that the freight train driver had been given clear instructions not to enter the wrong line and to stop at the red signal. However, the driver inexplicably ignored these instructions, resulting in the catastrophic accident. The Railway Board has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. The driver of the freight train has been suspended, and further disciplinary action is likely to be taken. The accident has raised serious questions about the safety of India’s railway network. This is the second major train accident in West Bengal in less than a year, following the derailment of the Bikaner-Guwahati Express in May 2022. Railway officials have vowed to take all necessary measures to prevent such tragedies from happening again. However, experts say that systemic reforms are needed to address the underlying causes of train accidents, such as inadequate training and maintenance practices. The Kanchanjungha Express accident is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety in the railway sector. The families of the victims deserve justice, and the government must ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for their negligence.Kanchanjungha Express Collision: Freight Train Blamed for Crash
Kanchanjungha Express Collision: Freight Train Blamed for Crash A fatal collision occurred on Monday morning at New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, India, when a freight train disregarded a signal and struck the Kanchanjungha Express, which was en route to Sealdah from Agartala. According to Railway Board Chairman Jaya Varma Sinha, five individuals were confirmed dead in the incident. However, local reports citing railway officials indicate that the death toll could reach 15. “Five passengers, the locomotive pilot of the freight train, and the guard of the Kanchanjungha Express have lost their lives,” Sinha stated. “Approximately 50 passengers sustained injuries and were taken to North Bengal Medical College.” Sinha explained that the impact on the passenger coach was minimized due to the destruction of a guard coach and two vans of the Kanchanjungha Express. She also mentioned damage to the general compartment. “Our immediate concern was rescuing the passengers, and that task has been accomplished,” Sinha said. “Our area officer and team promptly responded to the accident site, located 10 kilometers from New Jalpaiguri station.” Local residents, along with state and district authorities, assisted in the rescue efforts. The NDRF, Army, and other emergency services also reached the site to aid in rescue operations.
Railway Board: Freight Train Driver Overlooked Signal in Kanchanjungha Express Accident New Delhi: The Railway Board has concluded that the accident involving the Kanchanjungha Express was caused by the negligence of the freight train driver. The freight train driver reportedly disregarded a red signal at the crossing point near Siliguri, West Bengal. This resulted in a head-on collision with the passenger train, causing the derailment of several coaches. The Board’s investigation revealed that the freight train driver had failed to acknowledge the red signal despite repeated communication from the station master. This led to the catastrophic incident. “The driver’s failure to adhere to safety protocols is a serious breach of regulations,” stated a spokesperson for the Railway Board. The Board has recommended stringent action against the freight train driver, including immediate suspension and potential termination of employment. Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been called in to assist with the probe. The NIA will investigate possible sabotage or terrorist involvement in the accident. “The safety and security of passengers remains our utmost priority,” said a senior Railway official. “We will take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.” The investigation into the Kanchanjungha Express accident is ongoing, and further updates are expected in the coming days.
