Two more die, death toll in Kanchanjungha train mishap rises to 10: West Bengal hospital dean

Two passengers of the Kanchanjungha Express train who were admitted to the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital with severe injuries passed away on Tuesday, raising the death toll to 10 in the accident where a goods train hit from behind the passenger train near New Jalpaiguri station a day ago.

North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, Dr Sandeep Kumar Sengupta, said today that two more people, including a child who were 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 said.

“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,” the hospital official said.

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

The inquiry will be held at the ADRM/NJP’s chamber from 10 am 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.
Kanchanjungha Express, arrived at its destination station, Sealdah in Kolkata, in the early hours today after the completion of restoration work.

A goods train allegedly disregarded a signal and hit the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express nea North Bengal’s Jalpaiguri station at 8.55 am on Monday. The accident took place in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. At least eight people died and over 25 people were injured in the accident. (ANI)