Eight Dead After Two Trains Collide in West Bengal, India

A tragic incident in West Bengal claimed the lives of at least eight individuals on Monday when a goods train collided with an express passenger train from behind. Here are the key details of the incident:

Incident Details

• Location: Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India.
• Trains Involved: The collision occurred between a goods train and the Kanchenjunga Express passenger train.
• Casualties: The fatalities included the driver and co-driver of the goods train, a train guard, and five passengers. Around 50 people were injured and taken to hospitals.

Sequence of Events

• Cause: The collision was reportedly caused by the goods train disregarding a signal, resulting in a rear-end collision with the passenger train.
• Impact: Three passenger carriages were derailed and overturned, with one carriage lifted into the air and balanced precariously on another.
• Response: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the victims, while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee termed the incident “tragic” and initiated immediate rescue and relief efforts.

Historical Context

• Rail Network Challenges: India’s extensive rail network, one of the largest globally, has seen several accidents over the years due to various factors including signal errors and operational lapses.
• Past Incidents: Previous disasters include a 1981 derailment in Bihar that resulted in approximately 800 deaths, and more recent collisions such as the three-train accident in Odisha in 2023, which claimed nearly 300 lives.

Safety Measures and Infrastructure Developments

• Modernization Efforts: India has been investing significantly in upgrading its rail infrastructure, including modern stations and electronic signaling systems, aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency.
• Recent Milestones: Just before the collision, India celebrated the completion of the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, a significant infrastructure achievement.