CHENNAI: Hours after the Mysuru-Darbanga Express collided with a stationary goods train at Kavarapettai on Friday night, a high-level committee of the railways started the inquiry into the accident. According to railway officials, the commissioner for rail safety also arrived at the spot.
The Mysuru-Darbanga Bagmati Express collided with a stationary goods train at Kavarapettai Railway Station on Friday evening around 8.30 p.m.While 19 passengers sustained injuries, there were no reported fatalities.
Preliminary investigations suggest that human error may have contributed to the accident. Southern Railway general manager RN Singh stated that the express train, travelling towards Gudur and ultimately to Darbhanga, was given precedence to run on the main line, and all necessary signals were properly displayed. However, the train erroneously entered the loop line, resulting in the collision.
Chief minister M K Stalin is actively monitoring rescue operations and dispatched minister S. M. Nasar and other govt officials, including the District Collector, to the accident site.
Meanwhile, deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited Stanley Hospital to meet the injured. “We sent 22 ambulances to the train accident spot and rescue operations are ongoing. Three injured persons have been admitted to Stanley Hospital at the moment, and two more will be brought here. More beds are being arranged in the hospital for other injured patients, if any,” said Udhayanidhi Stalin.
He added that people who are not able to travel because of the accident will be accommodated in three marriage halls nearby with food, water, and sleeping arrangements.
“As of now, no deaths have been reported. The central govt should address the train accidents that have been occurring frequently,” he said. To support stranded passengers, the govt has organised accommodations in nearby marriage halls, providing food, water, and sleeping arrangements.
Udhayanidhi Stalin highlighted the urgent need for the central govt to address the rising frequency of train accidents.
For further information, the Southern Railway has established helpline numbers: 044-25354151 and 044-24354995. A 30-member team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is also en route to assist with ongoing rescue efforts.