Bagmati Express rams into goods train at Kavaraipettai Station; no casualties, 19 injured

Several coaches of the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express (12578) derailed after ramming into the rear of a goods train at the Kavaraipettai Station in Tamil Nadu Friday evening.

Tiruvallur District Collector T Prabhushankar said all passengers have been rescued. "At least 19 suffered injuries. Four people who had severe injuries have been moved to Stanley Medical College in Chennai and the others are being treated at a hospital in Ponneri."

"There were 1,360 passengers onboard and so far everyone is stable. Food, water and refreshments have been arranged. We have also provided accommodation for the passengers at three halls nearby. Those willing to travel to Chennai will be provided transportation," the Collector said.

The Express train that had been given a green signal to run through on the mainline entered the loop line at 75 km/hr and rammed into a goods train standing there. The power car of the Express caught fire on impact.

R N Singh, General Manager, Southern Railway said there was no signalling error. "It was unusual that the despite having the signals for main line, the train (Bagmati Express) entered the loop line," Singh said.

He said 11 of the 22 coaches of the Express derailed on impact. "It will take at least 15-16 hours for us to clear the line. A high-level enquiry will done to find out the cause."

Kavaraipettai is in the Tiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu.  The collision took place within an hour of leaving the Chennai Central Railway Station.  

The Chennai Railway Division said a train has been readied at Chennai Central to take the passengers of Bagmati Express to Darbhanga and other destinations.  Helpline numbers at Chennai Division: 044-25354151, 044-25330952, 044-25330953, 044-25354995.