Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express rams into goods train in Tamil Nadu, 12 coaches derail
Officials said that there were no casualties and a few passengers were injured.
The Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express collided with a stationary freight train in Tamil Nadu's Kavarapettai, resulting in several passengers sustaining injured on Friday evening.
According to a statement from the Railways, the incident occurred on the Ponneri-Kavarapettai section of the Madras (Chennai) division around 8:30pm. Also, a fire can be seen in visuals from the site.
“Train no. 12578 passed Ponneri at 20:27 hours. The crew experienced a heavy jerk, and the train entered the loop line and collided with stabbled goods train in the loop line... No casualty and a few injured,” the statement read.
CPRO south western Railway said that at least 12 to 13 train coaches have been derailed, according to ANI.
“Train no. 12578 Mysuru-Darbhanga Express had rear collision with goods train at Kavaraippettai Railway Station around 20.30 hrs in Chennai-Guddur section between Ponneri- Kavarappettai railway stations (46 km from Chennai) of Chennai Division...Due to this, parcel van which was next to the Engine caught fire, which was doused by Fire brigade. Total 12-13 coaches have derailed,” the official said.
“So far, no casualties are reported. All injured passengers are moved to nearby hospitals for further treatment. Train movement in both directions is closed,” they added.
A railways official present at the accident site said 19 passengers were injured so far. “Of them, 14 have major injuries, and they have been sent to Stanley hospital. Five others have minor injuries,” the official said, asking not to be named.
The railways said that a medical relief van had been sent to the spot, and a rescue team had also left from the Chennai Central Station.
Tiruvallur district collector T Prabhushankar, senior state officials and Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Chennai, Southern Railway are on their way to the accident site.
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin said that he has ordered minister SM Nasar and other government officials, including the district collector, to go to the accident site.
“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,” Stalin wrote in a post in X.
"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," he added.
Helpline numbers
The following helpline numbers have been released: 04425354151, 04425330952, 044-25330953, and 044-25354995