Express Train Collides with Stationary Goods Train in Tamil Nadu, Injuring Passengers

An express train travelling at 75 kmph collided with a stationary goods train in Tamil Nadu on Friday. The incident occurred when the passenger train entered a loop line instead of the main track, leading to injuries among passengers and a coach catching fire, according to railway officials. Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed shock and stated that he is overseeing the rescue and relief operations.

The Railway Board confirmed that no fatalities have been reported in the collision between the passenger and freight trains in the Ponneri-Kavarapettai section of the Chennai Rail Division. Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity for the Railway Board, shared a video message shortly after the accident. "We received an information of collision of the Bagmati Express with a freight train at the Kavarapettai station in the Chennai Division," he said.

Rescue Efforts Underway

Rescue teams promptly arrived at the accident site. The Mysuru Dibrugarh Darbabgah Express, train number 12578 with LHB coaches, had been given clearance to proceed after passing Ponneri station in Tiruvallur district at 20:27 hours on October 11. However, upon entering Kavaraipettai station, the crew experienced a severe jolt as the train diverted into a loop line, striking the stationary goods train.

The Southern Railway press release stated that although the crew remained unharmed, a parcel van caught fire but was quickly extinguished by fire tenders. Train movement along this section has been halted, with 12-13 coaches derailed. Injured passengers have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Government Response

Chief Minister Stalin dispatched Minister Avadi Nasar and senior officials to the scene to oversee relief efforts. A separate team is assisting passengers with their onward journeys and providing necessary care. Damaged coaches are being cleared from the tracks by fire and rescue personnel.

Senior government officials, railway staff, doctors, ambulances, rescue teams, and a medical relief van are present at the site. The railways reported that most passengers have been rescued or taken to hospitals as needed. Kavaraipettai is located near Ponneri in Tiruvallur district close to Chennai.

The government is actively engaged in swift relief and rescue activities. The injured are being transported to hospitals for medical attention.