DARJEELING: At least seven people, including a contractual employee, were injured after a portion of the roof of the Darjeeling loco shed collapsed following incessant rain on Wednesday morning. This is the second time the loco shed has been damaged after torrential rain triggered a rockfall that damaged a portion of the historic shed on June 21.The incident occurred around 8.50am when four steam locomotives were inside the shed. The injured were subsequently taken to Darjeeling District Hospital for medical attention.According to railway sources, four 16-km joyride services have so far been cancelled following the incident. Railway authorities are assessing the situation and the condition of the shed.Meanwhile, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) and other senior railway officials are on their way to Darjeeling to take stock of the situation and assess the extent of the damage.Employees have demanded the immediate repair and restoration of the loco shed, stressing that the facility is essential for the operation and maintenance of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s steam locomotives. They have also sought necessary safety measures before regular work resumes at the shed.
