West Bengal train accident: Death toll rises to 10; two more succumb to injuries

Wreckage of trains a day after the collision between the Kanchanjunga Express and a goods train. Pic/PTI

Two passengers on the Kanchanjungha Express train reportedly passed away on Tuesday, raising the death toll to 10. According to reports from ANI, the two deceased were admitted to the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital with severe injuries in the West Bengal train accident, where a goods train hit the passenger train from behind, near New Jalpaiguri station on Monday.

North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, Dr. Sandeep Kumar Sengupta, said today that two more people, including a child who was on ventilator support, passed away this morning.

"Yesterday, 37 people were admitted; two were not in a bad state and were discharged. Two people were serious; unfortunately, we couldn't save them, and both died today. They were on ventilators. Whoever has multiple organ injuries, it cannot be said that their situation is good. We don't know their health history, and if they are accident victims, in such cases we have to be more cautious," the hospital dean told ANI.

"As the situation changes, we will make the decisions as per protocol. Eight people were brought dead yesterday, along with a body part - a leg. Two died in the hospital, which takes the death tally to 10," he told ANI.

Meanwhile, the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety, Northeast Frontier Railway, Janak Kumar Garg, will reportedly hold a statutory inquiry in connection with the tragedy on June 19.

According to the agency reports, the inquiry will be held at the ADRM/NJP's chamber from 10 a.m. onwards on June 19. The inquiry may also be extended if required, according to a press release.

Several trains were cancelled while others were diverted today following the accident on June 17, according to ANI.

Kanchanjungha Express reportedly arrived at its destination station, Sealdah in Kolkata, in the early hours of today after the completion of restoration work.

According to ANI reports, a goods train allegedly disregarded a signal and hit the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express near North Bengal's Jalpaiguri station at 8.55 a.m. on Monday. The accident took place in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. At least eight people reportedly died, and over 25 people were injured in the accident.