Agartala, June 17: Several people lost their lives and many others were injured as Kanchanjunga Express departed from Agartala on Sunday met an accident near Rangapani of New Jalpaiguri area in West Bengal on Monday morning.

A goods train collided with the express train leading to casualties. Four compartments of the express train along with the engine suffered severe damages.
As per the reports coming from various sources, at least five people died and thirty others sustained injuries in the accident. 
Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha spoke to Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw regarding the train mishap. The Chief Minister was informed that the rescue operation was underway in full swing. The Railway Minister also assured that all necessary support would be given to the victims and their families.
In a social media post, Dr. Saha mentioned that the State Government is continuously monitoring the situation since morning, Tripura Bhawan officials have been instructed to visit accident site for proper monitoring of rescue and rehabilitation of accident victims.
The Chief Minister also announced that the cost of treatment of all injured will be borne by the State government and in case of any unfortunate accidental death, the State Government will provide Rs. 2 lakhs ex-gratia to the next to kin of the victim.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X wrote, "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."
The official X handle of PMO India wrote, "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."

The Ministry of Railways released the following helplines for immediate assistance: