Several passengers aboard the 12578 Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express were injured when the train collided with a stationary freight train from the rear at Kavaraipettai station, situated 41 kilometres from Chennai Central on the Chennai-Gudur section. The impact caused 12 coaches of the Bagmati Express to derail.
The accident has disrupted train services on the Chennai-Gudur section. Passengers trapped in the derailed coaches are being evacuated. As of 9:56 PM, no fatalities have been reported, according to the Chennai division of Southern Railway.
Preliminary information from official sources indicates that the Bagmati Express had received a green signal to proceed on the main line towards Gudur. However, it mistakenly entered the loop line at Kavaraipettai station, where a freight train was parked. It remains unclear whether the incident was caused by human error or a technical malfunction, according to a railway official. Senior railway authorities have rushed to the scene to investigate whether the tracks were set for the loop line when the signal was given to proceed to the main line.
According to official sources, the Bagmati Express, en route to Darbhanga, departed from Perambur at 7:50 pm and arrived at Kavaraipettai around 8:30 pm. Initially travelling at 109 km/h, the train reduced its speed to 90 km/h before entering the loop line, where it collided with the rear coaches of a stationary freight train near the guard's coach. The impact resulted in the derailment of four AC coaches, while two other coaches—a power car and a motor van—caught fire.
Local residents and bystanders rushed to the scene to help rescue passengers. Tiruvallur district collector Prabhu Shankar stated that the government hospital was prepared to treat the injured. Rescue operations are ongoing, with five teams from the National Disaster Response Force called in to assist.
Tiruvallur District Collector addressed the media, confirming that 19 people have been injured in the train accident, with no fatalities reported so far. Those with serious injuries have been transported to Stanley Medical College, while others are receiving treatment at Ponneri Government Hospital.
An official statement from the southern railway stated that alternative arrangements are being made to transport the passengers stranded in the train.
Southern railway has informed that several trains have been diverted after the incident.
Official sources stated that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin instructed the Tiruvallur district administration to expedite rescue operations. He also directed the Chief Secretary and other senior officials to personally oversee the efforts. Additionally, the CM asked Minister SM Nasar to rush to the accident site.
For assistance, passengers and their families can contact the help line numbers at the Chennai Division:
Help Line Number 1: 04425354151
Help Line Number 2: 04424354995
The list of trains diverted :
Train No.12621 Dr MGR Chennai Central – Tamil Nadu Express that left at 22.00 hrs today 11th October 2024 is diverted to run via Arakkonam – Renigunta to Vijayawada
Train No.18190 Ernakulam – Tatanagar Express that left at 07.15 hrs from Ernakulam on 11th October 2024 is diverted to run via Melapalayam – Arakkonam – Renigunta
Train No.12664 Tiruchchirappalli – Howrah Superfast Express that left Tiruchchirapalli at 13.35 hrs on 11th October 2024 is diverted to run via Melapalayam – Arakkonam – Renigunta
Train No.07696 Ramanathapuram – Secunderabad Express Special that left Ramanathapuram at 09.50 hrs on 11th October 2024 is diverted to run via Arakkonam – Renigunta
Train No.06063 Coimbatore – Dhanbad Express Special that left Coimbatore Jn at 11.50 hrs on 11th October 2024 is diverted to run via Melapalayam – Arakkonam – Renigunta
Train No.13351 Dhanbad - Alappuzha that left Dhanbad at 11.35 hrs from Dhanbad on 10th October is diverted to run via Renigunta - Melapalayam - Katpadi, duly skipping stoppages at Nayudupetta, Sulurupettah, Dr MGR Chennai Central and Arakkonam
Train No.02122 Jabalpur - Madurai Superfast Special that left Jabalpur at 16.25 hrs on 10th October 2024 is diverted to run via Renigunta, Melapalayam Chengalpattu, duly skipping stoppages at Chennai Egmore and Tambaram