New Delhi: The train derailment in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district occurred when a passenger train traveling at 75 km/h collided with a stationary goods train due to a “mismatch between signal and route,” as stated by RN Singh, General Manager of Southern Railways, to NDTV on Saturday morning. The Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express was meant to switch to the main line, but there was a mishap that directed it onto a closed track where the goods train was located.
Mr. Singh mentioned that it is premature to determine the specifics of what transpired, but indicated that while the signal was set for the main line, the train was erroneously diverted to the closed track.
The train, bound for Gudur in Andhra Pradesh, made a stop at Kavaraippettai Railway Station in Tiruvallur, where a goods train was also situated on the loop line. “The express was prioritized and was supposed to move along the main line,” he clarified, adding that despite the clearance signal for the main line, the passenger train entered the loop line and collided with the goods train from behind, resulting in the engine’s derailment. Passengers reported experiencing a ‘heavy jerk’ before the train entered the loop line.
The Railway Safety Commissioner will investigate the exact causes, he added. The incident derailed 12 coaches and injured 19 people, with more than 1,300 passengers on board the express train. A power car also ignited.
Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported thus far, and the injured individuals are being treated at state-run hospitals. Stranded passengers have been transported by bus to Chennai, where they are being accommodated on a special train to reach their final destinations. The derailment occurred approximately 40 km from Chennai.
Due to the derailment and ongoing repairs, many trains have been canceled or rerouted; at least 18 trains scheduled for the day have been canceled. A high-level investigation has been initiated, and Chief Minister MK Stalin has expressed his shock and called for expedited rescue efforts. Officials have indicated that restoration may take up to 24 hours, potentially until Saturday evening.
