Express train rams freight rake near Chennai, 20 injured while 12 coaches derail | India News – Times of India

CHENNAI: A packed express train traveling at a speed of 75 kmph rammed into the back of a stationary goods rake on the outskirts of Chennai at 8.30 pm on Friday, derailing at least 12 passenger coaches and starting a fire in the van. At least 20 passengers of the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express were injured but no casualty was reported.
Bagmati Express entered the loop line – a track that branches off the main route and joins it again after a short distance – and rammed into the back of the freight train stationed on that stretch. Kavaraipettai stationabout 46 km from Chennai, Southern Railway said.
The passenger train had passed Ponneri station at 8.27 pm and was given the green signal to proceed to Kavaraipettai. “While entering the KVP station, the train crew experienced a severe shock and instead of entering the main line as per the signal given, the train entered the loop line and hit the freight train stationed there,” the railway statement said.
‘The crew is safe. The next carriage, a parcel wagon, caught fire, which was extinguished by the fire brigade. No casualties have been reported so far.”
Officials said most passengers had been rescued and, if necessary, released or taken to hospitals. Arrangements are also being made to feed and transport the stranded passengers. Southern Railway Chennai Division said anyone needing information about the passengers can call the helpline number on 04425354151 and 0442435499.
Train traffic on the route was suspended after the collision as rescue and medical teams worked on the scene. The Dhanbad-Alappuzha Express and Jabalpur-Madurai Superfast Special detoured through Renigunta and Melapalayam, skipping Chennai Central, Egmore and Tambaram.