Tamil Nadu train accident: Railways initiates high-level investigation into the collision at Kavaraipettai, with sabotage being considered

On the night of October 11, 2024, a significant train accident occurred near Chennai, injuring at least nine individuals when the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express collided with a stationary goods train in Kavaraipettai, a suburb of north Chennai. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported; however, the crash caused eleven coaches to derail and left a parcel van engulfed in flames, with debris scattered across the crash site.

Incident Overview

The Railways has responded promptly by ordering a high-level inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the collision. On October 12, officers from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) visited the accident site, and the Commissioner of Railway Safety conducted an inspection. Law enforcement officials at the scene revealed that the possibility of sabotage is being investigated as part of the ongoing probe.

Sequence of Events

According to railway officials, the Mysuru-Darbhanga Express, identified as Train No. 12578, had crossed the Ponneri railway station, receiving a green signal to proceed to the next station, Kavaraipettai. However, the crew reportedly felt a “heavy jerk” upon entering the station, causing the express train to inadvertently enter the loop line, where it collided with the rear of a stationary goods train at approximately 8:30 PM.

R.N. Singh, the Southern Railway general manager, expressed concerns about the unusual circumstances that led to the express train entering the loop line despite clear signals for the main line. However, he refrained from commenting on whether a signal failure was the cause of the accident. In a move to ensure thorough investigation, A.M. Chowdhary, the Commissioner of Railway Safety for the Southern Circle, initiated a comprehensive examination of the track, signals, and other vital operational aspects.

Immediate Response and Passenger Care

Following the accident, efforts were made to care for the stranded passengers, who numbered over 1,600, with many hailing from Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. Southern Railway authorities were quick to mobilize resources, with Mr. Singh briefing the Union Railway Minister about the incident and being directed to ensure passengers reached their destinations.

Local residents rushed to the scene to assist passengers from the mangled coaches. Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited the injured at Government Stanley Hospital. The state government arranged food, water, and temporary accommodation for the stranded passengers in nearby marriage halls. Subsequently, buses transported them to Ponneri, where they were taken to Chennai Central station via electric trains, followed by a special train toward Darbhanga via an alternate route, leaving at 4:45 AM on October 12.

Restoration of Services

The accident disrupted train services significantly, leading to the diversion or rescheduling of at least 45 trains as all four lines on the route were closed. An accident relief train was dispatched from Chennai to Kavaraipettai to assist with restoration efforts, and train services were successfully resumed by Saturday night.

Conclusion

As the investigation into the Kavaraipettai train collision unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring passenger safety and understanding the underlying causes of the incident. With sabotage now being considered a possible factor, the high-level inquiry aims to provide clarity and prevent future accidents. The quick response by the Railways and local authorities reflects the commitment to passenger welfare during this challenging time.