Express train rams into freight rake near Chennai, 20 injured as 12 coaches derail | India News

CHENNAI: A packed express train travelling at 75kmph rear-ended a stationary freight rake on the outskirts of Chennai at 8.30pm Friday, causing at least 12 passenger coaches to derail and sparking a fire in the parcel van. At least 20 passengers on Mysuru–Darbhanga Bagmati Express were injured but there was no casualty reported.
Bagmati Express entered the loop line — a track that branches out from the main route and merges with it again after a short distance — and rammed into the back of the freight train stationed on that stretch of Kavaraipettai station, about 46km from Chennai, Southern Railway said.
The passenger train had passed Ponneri station at 8.27pm and received the green signal to proceed to Kavaraipettai. “While entering KVP station, the train crew experienced a heavy jerk and, instead of going into the main line per the signal that was given, the train entered the loop line and hit the goods train standing there,” the railway statement said.
“The crew are safe. The next coach, i.e. a parcel van caught fire, which was doused by the fire brigade. So far, no casualties are reported.”
Officials said most of the passengers had been rescued and either released or moved to hospitals, as required. Arrangements are also being made to feed and transport the stranded passengers. Southern Railway Chennai Division said anyone requiring information about the passengers could call the helpline number at 04425354151 and 0442435499.
Train traffic on the route was suspended after the collision as rescue and medical teams got to work at the site. The Dhanbad–Alappuzha Express and Jabalpur–Madurai Superfast Special took a detour through Renigunta and Melapalayam, skipping Chennai Central, Egmore, and Tambaram.