Faulty signalling system, absence of 'Kavach': What caused Kanchanjunga Express train accident?
The automatic signalling system between the Ranipatra Railway Station and Chattar Hat Junction, where the container train collided with the Kanchanjunga train in the rear, was not functioning even before the accident occurred
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The train accident in West Bengal’s Siliguri involving a Kanchanjunga Express and a goods train was caused by an error in the signalling system that was defective since 5:50 am on Monday.
The CEO and Chairman of Railway Boards Jaya Varma Sinha said that the accident was caused by human error as first indications suggest that the case was a result of signal disregard.
The train accident killed nine people, including the loco pilot of the Kanchanjunga train, and left several others injured.
The Kanchanjunga Express was en route to the Sealdah Station when a goods train rammed into it from the rear when the former was stationary. The impact of the collision derailed two rear compartments of the train, as per the divisional railway manager of North Frontier Railway’s Katihar division.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the accident spot to take stock of the situation.
“Right now our focus is on restoration. This is the main line. The rescue operation has been completed. This is not the time for politics. I will also meet the injured,” he said.
