In Shorts:
- A collision between a passenger train and a stationary goods train in Tamil Nadu left 19 people injured.
- The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has begun a probe, while rail authorities have ordered a high-level inquiry.
- Restoration efforts are underway, and stranded passengers were transferred to another train.
On Friday evening, a passenger train collided with a stationary goods train near Kavaraipettai railway station in Tamil Nadu, injuring at least 19 people. The incident caused a fire in two coaches and led to the derailment of 13 others. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrived at the scene to investigate the matter, and Indian Railways has ordered a high-level inquiry. Efforts to restore the train service are currently ongoing.
Key Facts of the Accident:
The accident occurred around 8:30 PM on Friday when the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express train switched onto the loop line instead of continuing on the main line, leading to a collision with a parked goods train. Two coaches caught fire, and 13 derailed, disrupting train services on the route. According to railway officials, the train’s crew felt a heavy jolt while entering Kavaraipettai station, and the train mistakenly entered the loop line, causing the accident.
Following the accident, more than 95% of the passengers were safely evacuated. The injured have been hospitalized, and the stranded passengers were transferred to another special train. Restoration of the rail service is expected to take around 16 hours, though rain has slowed down the process. Drone footage showed scattered wreckage, with large crowds gathered at the accident site.
Political leaders have reacted strongly to the incident. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the government, comparing this accident to the Balasore incident and accusing the administration of negligence. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin monitored the rescue efforts, while Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited the injured passengers at the hospital.
