Toy train derails near Darjeeling injuring five, rain likely to be the cause

DHR director T Bhutia said the wheels of the diesel loco jumped the tracks while passing a turn near Paglajhora and two coaches derailed thereafter.

At least five people, including the driver, were injured on Tuesday when the engine and two coaches of the toy train derailed in Darjeeling district.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR) toy train, a UNESCO world heritage site, was going from Darjeeling to Siliguri when the accident occurred. (ANI photo)

The injured have been admitted to Kurseong hospital. Earlier reports said 10 persons had been injured.

A railway official said heavy rainfall in the hills could have caused the mishap.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR) toy train, a UNESCO world heritage site, was going from Darjeeling to Siliguri when the accident occurred between Kurseong and Mahanadi around 3.25pm, North East frontier railway officials said.

The toy train derailed between Kurseong and Mahanadi on Tuesday.

DHR director T Bhutia said the wheels of the diesel loco jumped the tracks while passing a turn near Paglajhora and two coaches derailed thereafter.

Railway engineers reached the spot to ascertain the cause of the accident, he said.