Mysuru-Darbhanga Express Collides with Goods Train Near Chennai, 13 Coaches Derailed, 19 Injured
Kavaraipettai, Tamil Nadu, October 11, 2024: The Mysuru-Darbhanga Express, train number 12578, derailed and caught fire after colliding with a stationary goods train at Kavaraipettai Railway Station around 8:30 pm on Friday evening. According to reports, the collision occurred on the Chennai-Gudur section between Ponneri and Kavaraipettai stations. This led to the derailment of 13 coaches and a fire in two coaches, and at least 19 passengers sustained injuries.
Accident Details
- The train was traveling at about 75 km/h when it passed by at the green signal at Kavaraipettai to run on the mainline to reach Ponneri station, where it arrived at 8:27 PM.
- Approaching Kavaraipettai station, the train went into the loop line instead of the platform and ran head on into a goods train which was stationed there, leading to a tremendous impact that derailed 13 coaches.
- The power car, which is just behind the engine, erupted in flames but fire brigade teams on the spot soon brought the fires under control.
Quick Response and Rescue Operations
Southern Railway authorities, rescue teams, doctors, and ambulances reached the spot immediately in order to help the stranded passengers. Passengers were taken to the nearest hospitals from the accident spot, and there are no casualties reported yet. Train services on this route have been halted temporarily.
Thiruvallur District Collector said that rescue operations are fully underway, where the employees are putting their best efforts in order to ensure the safe evacuation of all passengers. To put an end to the trouble caused to stranded passengers, Southern Railways arranged for an EMU train, which would carry the passengers to Chennai Central. Another new train from Chennai has been prepared and to further journey towards Darbhanga.
Helpline Numbers
The Southern Railway has arranged emergency helplines for worried relatives and fetching information about the accident:
Chennai Division: 044-25354151, 044-2435499
Bengaluru Division: 8861309815
Mysuru Division: 9731143981
Besides, help desks have been put up at KSR Bengaluru, Mandya, Kengeri, and Mysuru stations. More than that, food, water, and other necessity have also been provided to the passengers.
Disruption in Train Traffic
The Mysuru-Darbhanga Express collision has halted train movement in both directions on the Chennai-Gudur line. Southern Railways is working to restore services as soon as possible, but delays are expected.
Southern Railway is trying to resume services on the affected rail lines as soon as possible. A misalignment seems to have caused the accident wherein the express train was diverted onto the loop line. Authorities are inquiring the cause of the accident.
Official Southern Railways Communication
Dr Manjunath Kanamadi, Chief Public Relations Officer of South Western Railway, said in a statement that all concerned people have thanked the emergency services and that all efforts are being made for restoration to normalcy. Southern Railways is closely monitoring the situation and has coordinated with other railway divisions to deal with the consequences of the accident.
