In a tragic incident on Monday, the Kanchanjunga Express derailed after being struck by a goods train in Siliguri, West Bengal, resulting in nine fatalities and over 30 injuries. The express train was traveling from Agartala, Tripura, to Sealdah station in Kolkata when the accident occurred.

Railway Board Chairperson and CEO Jaya Varma Sinha announced that rescue operations have been completed. Initial investigations suggest that human error was the cause, as the goods train's driver reportedly missed a signal.

The crash involved three rear compartments of the Kanchanjunga Express derailing, with one coach being hurled into the air. The accident took place near the North Bengal’s New Jalpaiguri station, in the Rangapani area of Siliguri.

Sinha explained that the goods train's signal violation led to the collision. Fortunately, the impact primarily destroyed a guard's coach and two parcel vans of the Kanchanjunga Express, sparing the passenger coaches from severe damage.

A source from Indian Railways indicated that there was a defect in the automatic signaling system between Ranipatra station and Chattar Hat Junction, which had been malfunctioning since early morning.

In response to the tragedy, financial aid has been announced: Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Additionally, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw pledged Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for those critically injured, and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries.

Minister Vaishnaw personally assessed the relief operations on-site, even taking a bike ride to reach the accident location promptly.

The Congress party has called for Vaishnaw's resignation, criticizing the ministry's handling of railway safety. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate accused the minister of neglecting his duties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, describing the incident as "saddening." Other leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, and Union Minister JP Nadda, also extended their sympathies and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee voiced her shock over the accident and stated that local authorities, including the district magistrate and medical teams, were dispatched to the site. She also plans to visit the location herself.

Despite the disruption, the Kanchanjunga Express resumed its journey to Sealdah with 15 coaches. At Aluabari station, local volunteers provided breakfast and essentials such as water, biscuits, cakes, and other food items to the passengers.

Passengers have largely attributed the accident to railway negligence. In response, a special helpdesk has been established at Sealdah station in Kolkata, offering information and assistance to those affected. The helpline numbers are 033-23508794 and 033-23833326.