CHENNAI: A major train accident occurred on the outskirts of Chennai on Friday night, when an express train, fully packed with passengers, collided with a stationary goods train at Kavarapettai in Thiruvallur district around 8:30 pm.
Two compartments caught fire, and four AC coaches were derailed, though there was no official word on the death count.
The incident involved the Darbhanga-bound express (Train No. 12578), which was running from Mysuru.
The train had passed Ponneri with a green signal, after which it collided with the stabled goods train. Railway sources indicated that the collision caused a heavy jerk, leading to derailment and the fire.
Initial reports suggest the train was traveling at around 109 km/h when the driver began slowing down to 90 km/h. However, the switch to the loop line could have resulted in the crash, said railway sources.
Emergency teams from Chennai, including senior railway officials, have rushed to the scene. Both UP and DOWN train movements have been halted. Rescue operations are underway, with fire and emergency services working to control the situation.
Further investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident.