22 coaches of Goods train derails, traffic severely disrupted

Chennai, Apr 30 (UNI) About 22 coaches of a goods train derailed at Chitheri on the Chennai-Arakonam section of the Southern Railway here tonight.

Railway Police sources told UNI that atleast 22 bogies from the engine jumped off the rails causing severe disruption of traffic.

There were no casualties as all the derailed wagons were empty oil tankers.

The incident occurred around 2100 hrs, about four kms from Arakkonam.

Through traffic on the Chennai-Arakkonam section (both ways) was affected following the derailment.

Trains to and fro from Chennai were delayed by several hours. The trains were likely to be run on diverted routes.

Meanwhile, a report from Bangalore said passengers were lfet stranded as the Mysore-Chennai Cauvery express was held up at Bangalore.

Senior Railway officials rushed to the spot to supervise the relief operations.

Track restoration works were in progress, the sources added.

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