At least five people died, while several others were injured as Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express was hit by a goods train on Monday in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district. Rescue operations are underway with disaster management teams at the spot.

“Five passengers have died, 20-25 injured in the accident. The situation is serious. The incident occurred when a goods train rammed into Kanchenjunga Express,” Abhishek Roy, Additional SP of Darjeeling Police said.

The train was en route to the Sealdah station and the accident happened when a goods train hit it from behind in Siliguri’s Rangapani region.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said doctors and disaster response teams have been rushed to the spot. “Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details are awaited, Kanchenjunga Express has reportedly been hit by a goods train. DM, SP, doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue, recovery, medical assistance. Action on war-footing initiated,” she said in a post on X.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that rescue operations have started on a war footing. “Unfortunate accident in NFR zone. Rescue operations going on at war footing. Railways, NDRF and SDRF are working in close coordination. Injured are being shifted to the hospital. Senior officials have reached site,” he said.

The Railways have released helpline numbers on which people could seek information about the situation. The numbers are 033-23508794 and 033-23833326 (Sealdah) and 03612731621, 03612731622 and 03612731623 at Guwahati.