At least 12 coaches of an express train have derailed after it collided with a goods train in Tamil Nadu's Triuvallur district.
Sources said 10 injured passengers have been admitted to a hospital nearby and the parcel van of the express train caught fire.
Officials said the 12578 Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express collided with the goods train, which was stationary, at Kavaraipettai near Chennai around 8.30 pm on Friday.
According to a railways statement, while entering the Kavaraipettai station, the crew of the express train experienced a heavy jerk. Instead of going into the main line as per the signal that was given, the train then entered the loop line at a speed of 75 kmph and hit the goods train that was stabled there.
Ambulances and medical and rescue teams have reached the spot, as have senior railway officials.
Dilip Kumar, Executive Director (Information and Publicity), Indian Railways, said, "We have received information of an accident concerning the 12578 Bagmati Express. Over 95% of the passengers have been rescued from the affected coaches. No deaths or grievous injuries have been reported to us so far."
"The General Manager of the Southern Railways and the Divisional Railway Manager of the Chennai division will be reaching the spot. We are making arrangements for the remaining passengers of the train to reach their destinations. The crew and guard of the train are safe," he added.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav is monitoring the situation from the war room at Rail Bhavan in New Delhi. Officials said he has asked railway authorities to ensure that the injured get proper treatment and the remaining passengers reach their destinations.
"He has also asked for rescue operations to be completed as soon as possible and instructed all senior officials of the south zone of the railways to reach the site of the accident," an official said.
At least seven trains, including the Chennai-New Delhi express have been diverted.
Helpline Numbers:
Chennai Division
044 25354151
044 24354995
Samastipur
06274-81029188
Darbhanga
06272-8210335395
Deendayal Upadhyay Junction
7525039558
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