Kanchanjunga Express Accident: PM Modi Announces Rs 2 Lakh Compensation For Kins Of Deceased Passengers

West Bengal Train Accident: 15 people were killed and 60 injured in the Kanchanjungha Express accident that occurred in West Bengal on Monday. The Kanchenjunga Express, traveling from Agartala to Sealdah, was struck from behind by a goods train. Rescue operations are underway to assist the affected and the Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is on the way to the site.

PM Modi announces compensation to kin of deceased and the injured. "PM Narendra Modi has announced that an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the railway mishap in West Bengal. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," PMO India said in a statement.

PM Modi tweeted, "The railway accident in West Bengal is saddening. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to officials and took stock of the situation. Rescue operations are underway to assist the affected. The Railways Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw Ji is on the way to the site of the mishap as well."

PM @narendramodi has announced that an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the railway mishap in West Bengal. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000. https://t.co/2zsG6XJsGx — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 17, 2024

Different teams attached to the state government and the Indian Railways started rescue operations at the site between New Jalpaiguri and Rangapani station where two compartments of the Kanchanjungha Express got derailed after being hit by a goods train.

Video: Rescue Work Underway

#WATCH | Kanchenjunga Express train rammed by a goods train at Ruidhasa in Darjeeling district of West Bengal; Police team present at the spot, rescue work underway pic.twitter.com/Y3UsbzPTxs — ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2024

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav issued a statement saying, "Unfortunate accident in the 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."

(Inputs- PTI & IANS)