13 coaches derail as express train rams into stationary train at Kavaraipettai near Chennai

No casualties reported, crew of the express train safe; some passengers injured; up and down train services have been affected; helpline numbers: 04425354151 and 04424354995

In yet another accident involving a signal failure, a speeding express train rammed into a stationary goods train at Kavaraipettai near Gummidipoondi in the Chennai Division of Southern Railway on Friday night (October 11, 2024).

Tamil Nadu train collision LIVE updates

According to railway sources, Train No. 12578 Mysuru-Darbhanga Express was given a green signal to pass through the main line. However, the train speeding at 75 kmph entered the loop line and collided with the rear of a goods train stabled there. The accident took place at about 8:30 p.m.

The train’s stranded passengers were transported by buses to Ponneri and to Chennai Central via two EMU Specials. 

After all the passengers arrived, they were boarded onto the Passenger Special towards Darbhanga, via Arakkonam, Renigunta, and Gudur, after being given food packets and water. The special train left at 4:45 a.m. on Saturday (October 12, 2024).

The impact of the collision was such that a parcel van went up in flames and at least 13 coaches derailed.

The express train crossed Ponneri railway station at 8.27 p.m., and was given green signal to run through the next station Kavaraipettai via the mainline.

“While entering Kavaraipettai station, the train crew experienced a heavy jerk and instead of going into the main line as per the signal given, the train entered into the loop line at 75 kmph and hit the goods train,” Southern Railway spokesperson said.

Crew safe

The official said that the crew was safe and the fire in the parcel van has been put off. “So far, no casualties are reported but some injuries have been reported. All injured are moved to nearby hospitals,” the official said.

Railway officials said doctors, ambulances and rescue officials have reached the site. Train movement on both sides in the section was affected. Alternative arrangements were being made to transport passengers.

The Southern Railway announced that people could contact helpline numbers 044-25354151/044-24354995 set up by the Chennai Division for any information.

Friday night’s accident in Southern Railway appeared to be similar to the one that occurred at Balasore in Odisha on the night of June 2, 2023, which left about 290 passengers dead and over 900 others injured.

In that accident, the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express which was cruising at about 130 kmph passed the signal in green cleared for main line but entered into the loop line at Bahanaga Bazaar railway station and rammed into the rear of a stationary goods train, railway sources said.

Published - October 11, 2024 09:52 pm IST