Kanchanjunga Express Tragedy: Signal Failures and Human Errors Under Scrutiny

The initial probe into the Kanchanjunga Express accident on June 17 revealed lapses in signal handling by the New Jalpaiguri Rail Division and the crew of the goods train. At least 10 people died, leading to ongoing safety investigations. Some officials dissent, citing external influences and procedural errors.

The initial investigation into the tragic Kanchanjunga Express accident, which occurred on June 17, has identified lapses by the New Jalpaiguri Rail Division's operating department and the goods train's crew. The incident, which claimed at least 10 lives, including the passenger train's guard and the goods train's pilot, happened near Rangapani station in West Bengal's Darjeeling district.

The collision took place at 8:55 am when a stationary Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express was struck by a goods train. The investigation suggests that signal disregards by the goods train were a primary cause. Railway Board Chairperson Jaya Varma Sinha confirmed that signal violations led to the accident, prompting a more detailed probe by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS).

A preliminary report by a six-member probe team from the railways has further complicated the narrative. Most officials pointed to the goods train crew's failure to observe signals and speed restrictions, but dissent exists. One official highlighted that automatic and semi-automatic signals were down, necessitating a switch to an Absolute Block System, which was not implemented. The ongoing probe aims to clarify these uncertainties.