West Bengal’s Darjeeling district witnessed a devastating train collision involving the Kanchanjunga Express and a goods train, resulting in a tragic loss of life.
Officials have now confirmed that the death toll has climbed to 10, following the death of a passenger who succumbed to injuries on Tuesday morning at the North Bengal Medical College & Hospital in Siliguri.
The incident on Monday initially claimed 9 lives, including the loco-pilot of the goods train, the guard of the Kanchanjunga Express, and seven passengers aboard the affected compartments in the collision.
Seven individuals, including Asish De (47) who was the guard of the Kanchanjunga Express, and Anil Kumar (46), the loco-pilot of the goods train, identified among the deceased.
Other identified victims include Subhajit Mali (32), Celeb Subba (36), Beauty Begum (41), Shankar Mohan Das (63), and Vijay Kumar Raj.
Celeb Subba notably served as a sub-inspector with the West Bengal Police.
Efforts are ongoing to establish the identities of the remaining three deceased individuals.
Meanwhile, railway authorities credited the lower casualty count to the composition of the Kanchanjunga Express, with its rear parcel and guard’s coach absorbing much of the impact, sparing the forward passenger compartments.
Early Tuesday morning, the Kanchanjunga Express returned to Sealdah station at 3:20 AM, bringing passengers from the unaffected compartments in a poignant scene.
The arrivals were greeted by officials including Firhad Hakim, the state’s municipal affairs & urban development minister, Snehasis Chakraborty, the state transport minister, and the divisional general manager of Sealdah, among other senior railway personnel.
At Sealdah station, authorities ensured that the passengers received necessary provisions such as food and drinking water, offering support and solace during this distressing time.
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