KOLKATA, June 17 : After at least 8 people were killed and 25 others injured in the train accident in West Bengal's Darjeeling involving the Kanchenjunga Express passenger train and a goods train, nearly 19 train of the Eastern Railways have been cancelled. The affected routes include New Jalapaiguri, Siliguri Junction, Bagdogra and Aluabari.

The Ministry of Railways have also launched several helpline numbers to offer assistance of the families of the victims.

According to the Eastern Railways statement, the unaffected portion of the Kanchanjunga Express left the site for its onward journey.  Among the 8 people who dies were the Loco pilot of the goods train and the guard of the passenger train, a Railway official said.

Centre has announced an enhanced ex-gratia compensation for victims of the accident. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the families of the deceased will be provided ?10 lakh each while a sum of ?2.5 lakh and ?50,000 will be provided to those who sustained grievous and minor injuries respectively.