Heavy rain in Tiruvallur hinders restoration efforts after Bagmati Express train accident

CHENNAI: Heavy rainfall on Saturday hampered rescue efforts at Kavaraipettai railway station accident site, where the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express collided with a stationery goods train on Friday evening. The accident caused derailment of at 12-13 coaches of the Express train and at least 19 passengers were injured.

According to Railway officials, it will take approximately 16 hours for restoration of the railway tracks. The rescue operation was on full swing, but sudden rainfall affected restoration work. The incident occurred around 8.30 pm on Friday on the the Chennai-Gudur section between Ponneri and Kavaraippettai railway stations under Chennai division of Southern Railway.

The Southern Railway announced Help desk facilities to provide assistance to passengers who suffered due to the train accident. The Southern Railway tweeted, “Help Desk Set Up at Dr. MGR Chennai Central Railway Station to Assist Passengers of 12578 Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express”.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Latest drone visuals from Chennai-Guddur section between Ponneri- Kavarappettai railway stations (46 km from Chennai) of Chennai Division where Train no. 12578 Mysuru-Darbhanga Express had a rear collision with a goods train, last evening.

12-13 coaches… pic.twitter.com/F7kp7bgLdV

— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2024

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed has said that he was continuously monitoring the rescue operations and that the injured passengers have been taken to the hospital. At least 19 passengers were injured in the incident, with those sustaining serious injuries transported to Government Stanley Medical College Hospital in Chennai. He further said that Minister for Minorities SM Nasar and other officials were directed to reach the accident site.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin reached at accident spot on Friday and met with passengers at the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital in Chennai.

Meanwhile, special train carrying stranded passengers of the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express departed from Dr MGR Chennai Central railway station on Saturday early morning to continue its onward journey. The train departed from the station at around 04.45 am. The stranded passengers were provided with food and water during the wait, officials said.

Latest drone visuals from Chennai-Guddur section between Ponneri- Kavarappettai railway stations (46 km from Chennai) of Chennai Division where Train no. 12578 Mysuru-Darbhanga Express had a rear collision with a goods train, last evening, showed the large scale damage. (ANI)