West Bengal train mishap toll rises to 66

The toll in the train collision at Sainthia station in Birbhum district rose to 66 today with three injured passengers of the Vananchal Express succumbing to injuries at the Burdwan Medical College Hospital.

Thirty-six injured persons had been referred to the Burdwan Medical College Hospital from the Suri Sadar Hospital in Birbhum district yesterday, Eastern Railway officials said today.

They said 28 bodies have been sent to Burdwan hospital for preservation pending identification as the facility was absent in the Suri Sadar Hospital.

Identification of the bodies was taking long because most of the dead hailed from remote areas in Bihar, they said.

The Ranchi-bound Vananchal Express was hit from behind by the Uttarbanga Express at Sainthia station yesterday.