Nearly 12-13 coaches of the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express train derailed after it collided with a goods train at Kavarapettai in Thiruvallur district near Chennai on Friday. Nearly 19 persons are said to be injured. No casualties have been reported. The collision happened when the express train collided into the goods train which was stationary. Sources say that there was a signal malfunction which resulted in the collision.
Train accident near Chennai
According to an official statement by the Indian Railways, the train crew "experienced heavy jerk" as it "entered in to Loop/line and collided with stable Goods train in loop line".
"Train Passed Ponneri station around 20.27 hrs and was given green signal to run through at next station Kavaraipettai via the mainline. While entering the Kavaraipettai station, the train crew experienced heavy jerk and instead of going into the main line as per the signal given, the train entered into the Loop/line@75kmp & hit the Goods train standing in loop line. The crew is safe. The next coach ie parcel van caught fire, which was doused by Fire brigade."
The statement added that there were no casualties "but some injuries have been reported". "All injured are moved to nearby hospitals. UP/DOWN Train movement is closed," the statement said.
"Doctors, ambulances, medical relief van and rescue teams, senior officers are at site and most of the passengers have been rescued, either released or moved to hospitals as needed," the statement added.
In a fresh update, the Railways said it was "moving all passengers by EMU to Chennai Central, and a fresh train has been readied at Chennai to take them further to Darbhanga/other destinations, including free food/water /snacks".
CM Stalin Expresses Shock
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin tweeted, "I was shocked to know that there was a train accident in Kavaripettai, Tiruvallur district. As soon as the information was available, I ordered Minister SM Nasar and other government officials including the District Collector to go to the accident site. The government is working fast in rescue and relief work. The injured are immediately taken to the hospital. A separate team is functioning to arrange food and travel facilities for the other passengers to return home. The fire department is engaged in the work of removing the accident train coaches. I am continuing to monitor the rescue operations."
Other Trains Diverted
Due to the accident, three trains are stopped in the Chennai Gudur section, plans are being made to run through the diverted route:
1. Tiruchirappalli Howrah Express
2. Ernakulam Tatanagar Express
3. Kakinada Dhanbad Special Express
Helpline Numbers
Samastipur-06274-8102918840
Darbhanga-06272-8210335395
Danapur-9031069105
Deendayal Upadhyaya Junction-7525039558
Other Helpline Numbers
04425330952
04425330953