Sun Oct 13 05:41:15 UTC 2024: ## Train Collision Near Chennai: 19 Injured, Restoration Underway
**Chennai, India (July 1, 2023)** – A collision between a passenger train and a stationary goods train near Chennai has injured at least 19 people and caused extensive damage to the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express. The incident, which occurred on Friday evening near Kavaraipettai railway station, involved the passenger train entering a loop line instead of the main line, resulting in a collision with the goods train.
Two coaches of the express train caught fire, and 13 coaches derailed. The Railways have ordered a high-level investigation into the incident. Restoration work is underway to resume train services, but heavy rains have hampered efforts, with officials estimating it will take approximately 16 hours to complete.
Stranded passengers were transferred to a special train on Saturday morning to continue their journey. The injured have been hospitalized.
**Officials Point to Signal Error**
According to Southern Railway General Manager RN Singh, the train crew experienced a strong jolt while entering Kavaraipettai station. Despite being given green signals to proceed onto the main line, the train mistakenly switched onto the loop line at the switch.
**Politicians React**
Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the government, stating that no lessons have been learned from repeated train derailments. He drew parallels with the Balasore train accident, which claimed hundreds of lives.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin is monitoring rescue and restoration efforts, while Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited injured passengers at a Chennai hospital.
**No Casualties Reported**
The Railways reported that over 95% of passengers were safely evacuated from the affected coaches. There have been no reports of any casualties or serious injuries.
First Piper 