Kolkata/IBNS: Five people have died and 25-30 injured after a goods train rammed into the Kanchanjungha Express in West Bengal's Darjeeling district on Monday morning, media reports said.

"The number of the injured people can increase anytime," said a police official.

The accident took place near Rangapani railway station.

Three coaches of the Agartala-Sealdah Kanchanjungha Express derailed after it was rammed by the goods train.

The Kanchanjungha Express is a common train for the tourists and people to travel from the southern part of West Bengal to North Bengal.

Photo courtesy: IBNS

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted on X, "Unfortunate accident in NFR zone. Rescue operations going on at war footing. Railways, NDRF and SDRF are working in close coordination. Injured are being shifted to the hospital. Senior officials have reached site."

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted on X, "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.

"DM, SP, doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue, recovery, medical assistance. Action on war-footing initiated."