Gaisal train collision

Gaisal train collision
Gaisal train collision is located in West Bengal
Gaisal train collision
Gaisal train collision is located in India
Gaisal train collision
Gaisal train collision is located in Asia
Gaisal train collision
Details
Date2 August 1999
LocationGaisal, Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal, India
Coordinates26°11′03″N 88°05′22″E / 26.18417°N 88.08944°E / 26.18417; 88.08944
CountryIndia
Incident typeHead-on Collision
CauseSignalling error
Statistics
Trains2
PassengersApprox 2,500
Deaths285
InjuredMore than 300

The Gaisal train collision occurred on 2 August 1999, when two trains carrying about 2,500 people collided at the remote station of Gaisal in West Bengal, India. Owing to a signalling error, both trains were using the same track on a day when three of the four tracks on the line were closed for maintenance. Their combined speeds were so great that the trains exploded on impact, killing at least 285 people.