Chennai: At least 12 coaches of the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express (12578) derailed after colliding with a stationary goods train at Kavarapettai in Tamil Nadu on Friday night. Thanks to the prompt and commendable efforts of the police, passengers were swiftly rescued and given immediate assistance. Southern Railway officials confirmed that no casualties or life-threatening injuries were reported.
The accident occurred around 8:30 pm when the express train, traveling from Mysuru in Karnataka to Darbhanga in Bihar, mistakenly entered a loop line at Kavarapettai Railway Station and rammed into the rear of a parked goods train. Despite the impact, the police acted swiftly, arriving at the scene within minutes to assist in the rescue operation, ensuring the safety and well-being of all passengers.
Initial reports indicated that six passengers sustained fractures and bruises, while a total of 19 passengers were injured — 14 with serious injuries, who were transported to Stanley Hospital, and five with minor injuries. One parcel van caught fire after the impact, but the blaze was quickly extinguished by fire and rescue services. The police worked efficiently and diligently, managing the chaotic situation with professionalism and care.
Rescue and relief teams were dispatched to the scene, and with the support of the police, more than 95% of the passengers had been safely evacuated by early Saturday morning. The Railway Board’s Executive Director of Information & Publicity, Dilip Kumar, praised the coordinated efforts, stating that the quick police response played a key role in minimizing harm and assisting passengers.
The Southern Railway confirmed that the train’s crew, including the loco pilot and guard, were unharmed. Both up and down train services on the affected lines were suspended and three trains — Tiruchirappalli-Howrah Express, Ernakulam-Tatanagar Express, and Kakinada-Dhanbad Special Express — were halted in the Chennai-Gudur section. Police are also assisting in rerouting stranded passengers to their destinations, with alternative arrangements being made.
An investigation into the cause of the error is underway, but the remarkable performance of the police rescue services has been widely appreciated by authorities and passengers alike. Dussehra celebrators were shocked about this Mysuru Train accident.
