At least 12 coaches of the Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express derailed after a collision with a stationary goods train in Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, on Friday night. The incident resulted in around 20 passengers being injured and hospitalized and this accident occurred around 8:30 PM near Kavaraipettai, approximately 46 km from Chennai.
Details Of The Collision
Sources report that the express train’s parcel van caught fire during the crash. The express train was traveling at 75 km/h when it collided with the goods train stabled on the loop line. Initial investigations indicate that while entering the Kavaraipettai station, the train crew experienced a heavy jerk. Instead of continuing onto the main line, the train entered the loop line, leading to the unfortunate collision.
Rescue Operations Underway
Emergency services, including ambulances and medical teams, quickly reached the site, along with senior railway officials. Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity at Indian Railways, confirmed that over 95% of the passengers had been rescued from the affected coaches, with no deaths or serious injuries reported so far.
“The General Manager of Southern Railways and the Divisional Railway Manager of the Chennai division will be reaching the spot. We are making arrangements for the remaining train passengers to reach their destinations. The crew and guard of the train are safe,” Kumar stated.
Government Response
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav is closely monitoring the situation from the Rail Bhavan in New Delhi. He has directed railway authorities to ensure proper treatment for the injured and to facilitate the safe travel of the remaining passengers. Additionally, he emphasized the need for swift completion of rescue operations, urging all senior officials in the Southern Railway zone to arrive at the scene promptly.
Train Services Impacted
In light of the incident, at least seven trains, including the Chennai-New Delhi Express, have been diverted. Train traffic on the affected route has been suspended as rescue and medical teams continue to operate at the site.
Passengers are encouraged to seek information regarding their relatives via helpline numbers 04425354151 and 0442435499. The Southern Railway’s Chennai Division is also making arrangements to provide food and transportation for the stranded passengers.
