5 dead in train collision in eastern India

At least five persons died and more than 25 were injured when a goods train rammed into a passenger train in India's eastern state of West Bengal on Monday, confirmed a Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) official to Xinhua over phone.

The accident occurred near the Rangapani railway station in Phansidewa area of the state's Darjeeling district at around 9:00 a.m. local time when a goods train crashed into the "Kanchanjunga Express" passenger train.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted on X that "Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district.

While details are awaited, Kanchenjunga Express has reportedly been hit by a goods train.

District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue, recovery, medical assistance. Action on war-footing initiated."

Further details are awaited.