Siliguri, 23rd June: In a recent development, the investigation into the devastating train accident that occurred between Rangapani and Chattar Hat has reached a significant milestone supervised by the Railway Safety Commissioner, recording statements from 60 railway employees. The investigation aimed to uncover the reason behind the tragic collision between a goods train and the Kanchanjunga Express, which claimed 11 lives, including a 6-year-old girl, and left several injured.
Notably, on June 17, a freight train rear-ended the Kanchanjunga Express, resulting in the accident. Following this, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw promptly visited the accident site, appointing the Railway Safety Commissioner to lead a thorough investigation. However, before preparing this report, the Railway Commissioner is waiting for the assistant loco pilot of the goods train and the only eyewitness, Manu Kumar, to recover. North East Railway Safety Commissioner Janak Garg, alongside Katihar Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Surendra Kumar, joined the investigation.
DRM Surendra Kumar confirmed the conclusion of the inquiry phase during a phone conversation, stating that the committee has recorded the statements of 60 railway employees. However, the statement from Manu Kumar, the assistant loco pilot of the goods train and the sole eyewitness to the accident, remains pending due to his critical condition. Kumar is currently in the ICU, and his statement is deemed crucial for the final report. He further stated that the Railway Safety Commissioner will prepare the final report based on the gathered statements and ongoing investigation. The Railway Safety Commissioner has departed for Delhi to compile the report.