Deadly Train Crash Rocks West Bengal
A horror crash in India’s West Bengal has killed at least 15 people and injured nearly 30 more. A freight train slammed into a passenger service in Darjeeling district on Monday morning, sparking chaos and devastation.
Human Error Blamed for Disaster
Early reports point to human error as the likely cause. The country’s busy rail network is no stranger to accidents, with hundreds each year. This latest tragedy highlights urgent calls for tougher safety measures.
Rescue Teams Scramble at the Scene
Emergency crews including police and national disaster response forces are racing against time to clear wreckage near New Jalpaiguri station. Doctors and ambulances have been deployed to treat the injured, many still in critical condition.
Rail Staff Among the Dead
Sabyasachi De, spokesperson for Northeast Frontier Railway, confirmed three of the dead were railway employees. The collision was so fierce one train compartment was reportedly lifted vertically on impact.
Political Leaders React
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called the crash “tragic” and vowed swift action, though casualty details remain fluid. Meanwhile, railway board chief Jaya Varma Sinha revealed the freight train driver ignored a signal, causing the smash. Four rear carriages derailed, mostly cargo haulers, but one was a passenger coach.
