On Friday, a rail accident in Tamil Nadu, where a speeding express train rammed into a stationary goods train at Kavaraipettai, about 46 km from Chennai, on October 11, bears similarities to the tragic Balasore (Odisha) collision in 2023.
At least 19 passengers were injured when Train No. 12578 Mysuru – Darbhanga Express collided with a goods train at Kavaraipettai, derailing at least 13 coaches in the Chennai-Gudur section. However, no casualties have been reported so far. Tiruvallur district collector T Prabhushankar said that 1,360 passengers were on board during the collision. “There were no casualties, but 19 passengers were injured, including four who sustained severe injuries. Initial investigations said that the accident was due to a signalling failure.
“This train, consisting of LHB coaches, passed Ponneri Railway Station at 8:27pm and was given a green signal to proceed through Kavaraipettai Station via the main line. However, upon entering Kavaraipettai, the crew experienced a heavy jerk, the train entered the loop line at 75 kmph and collided with the stabled goods train,” said railways in a statement.
Due to the impact, the power car, located next to the engine, caught fire. At least 13 coaches were derailed and all injured passengers have been moved to nearby hospitals for further treatment, and train movement in both directions on the Chennai-Gudur section was affected.
According to the media reports, the presence of a brake van at the rear of the freight train and speed regulation near Kavaraipettai station due to a curve likely prevented a larger disaster like Balasore. According to the media reports, the train had passed Ponneri station at 8:27pm and was approaching Kavaraipettai at a speed of 109 kmph. As it neared the station, the loco pilot reduced the speed to 90 kmph due to speed restrictions. The train was decelerating when it collided with the stable freight train. In the Odisha crash, the trains were running at a maximum speed of 128 kmph, which worsened the impact.
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