New Delhi: The Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety, Northeast Frontier Railway, Janak Kumar Garg, will hold a statutory inquiry on June 19 in connection with the Kanchenjunga Express tragedy that claimed eight lives and have left 25 injured so far. 

According to a press release, the inquiry will be held at the ADRM/NJP's chamber from 10 am onwards. It is also expected to get extended if required.

"Members of the public having knowledge relating to the incident and any other matter connected therewith may appear and tender evidence at the inquiry on the dates mentioned or write to the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety," the official communication read.

Meanwhile, due to this incident that occured on June 17, several trains were cancelled, while others were diverted on Tuesday. At the same time, train services have resumed from the Phansidewa area of the Darjeeling district, where the accident took place.

Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Katihar Northeast Frontier Railway, Surendra Kumar said, "Restoration work has been going on since night. The trial run of an engine was carried out upline along with two goods trains and one Shatabdi train towards NJP (New Jalpaiguri Junction) yesterday. Since it is an accident site, the trial was done with some caution. Within half an hour, the line beside it also restored."

It has also been learnt that Kanchanjungha Express, arrived at its destination station, Sealdah in Kolkata, in the early hours on Tuesday after the completion of restoration work.

A goods train allegedly disregarded a signal and hit the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express near North Bengal's Jalpaiguri station at 8.55 am on Monday. The accident took place in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. 

A passenger who was present on the train when it met with an accident expressed concern and fear as she recalled the tragic incident.

"I was in S7 when this accident took place. We are very afraid after this accident. My parents are also worried," she said.

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier hit out at the Central Government over its alleged negligence towards Railways.

Kanchanjungha Express runs between Silchar in Assam to Sealdah in Kolkata. ANI