Speeding Train Rams Another in West Bengal, Killing 60

60 people have been killed and another 86 are in hospital after a major train accident in West Bengal near the Jharkhand border.

Photo: Speeding Train Rams Another in West Bengal, Killing 60

A speeding train rear-ended another train at the Sainthia station in Virbhum district, 191 kms from Howrah. Both trains were bizarrely on the same track, NDTV.com reports.

According to sources a team of seven Army officers and 170 jawans left for the site following a request from the West Bengal and railway administrations.

Meanwhile, the Air Force has kept one Mi-17 helicopter on standby each at its Barrackpore and Kalaikunda stations.

The speeding Sealdah-bound Uttar Banga Express rammed into the stationary Bhagalpur-Ranchi Vananchal Express fat its rear at Sainthia station at around 1.50 in the morning. The Uttarbanga Express had overshot a signal.

Three rear compartments of the Vananchal Express bore the brunt of the impact and were completely mangled.

An inquiry headed by the Commissioner of Railway Safety has been ordered into the incident.
Railway authorities have opened several helpline numbers and control rooms in Sealdah, Malda, Bhagalpur and Howrah, Oneindia informs.