The Chennai Bagmati Express, officially known as the Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express, was involved in a tragic accident late Friday night near Kavarapettai in the Chennai Division. The train collided with the rear of a stationary goods train, resulting in 19 passengers being injured. The collision caused two coaches of the passenger train to catch fire, leading to panic and chaos at the scene.
The accident occurred at the Ponneri-Kavarapettai railway stations, about 46 km from Chennai. Rescue and emergency teams were quickly dispatched to the site to provide immediate medical assistance and help evacuate passengers. Southern Railway has since set up a help desk at Dr. MGR Chennai Railway Station to assist affected passengers and their families.
Details of the Chennai Bagmati Express Accident
Following the collision, 12 to 13 coaches of the Chennai Bagmati Express derailed, leading to extensive damage. The fire that erupted in two of the coaches was brought under control by rescue teams, with the help of local residents who rushed to the scene. Ambulances and fire brigades were deployed to manage the situation, and the injured passengers were quickly transported to the Accident & Emergency Department at the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital in Chennai.
Southern Railway officials have reported that the cause of the accident was due to a diversion onto a loop line instead of continuing on the main line. This error resulted in the collision with the stationary goods train. A full investigation has been launched by the Railway Safety Commissioner to determine the exact cause and ensure accountability.
Railway Minister and Government Response
In the wake of the accident, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw took immediate action, receiving detailed updates on the Chennai Bagmati Express accident from railway officials. The minister ordered the completion of the rescue operation as quickly as possible and ensured that the injured passengers received appropriate medical treatment. He also stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of all passengers and directed railway officials to make necessary arrangements to assist them in reaching their final destinations.
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin also visited the injured passengers at the hospital and expressed the state government’s commitment to supporting the victims. “There are no casualties, but the injured are receiving proper medical care at Stanley Hospital. Our state government has provided 22 ambulances for immediate assistance, and rescue operations are ongoing,” he stated. He further emphasized the need for the Union Government to address the rise in train accidents, calling it a “sequel of incidents” that required urgent action.
Restoration Work Underway
Restoration work at the Ponneri-Kavarapettai railway section began shortly after the incident. Southern Railway’s General Manager confirmed that the tracks and equipment would be repaired as swiftly as possible to minimize disruption to the Chennai Division. Train services in the affected area have been redirected, with incoming flights rerouted to other stations, including Guadeloupe.
Help Desk and Helpline Numbers
In response to the Chennai Bagmati Express accident, Southern Railway has established a help desk at Dr. MGR Chennai Railway Station to assist families and passengers with information about the ongoing rescue and relief efforts. The Railway Ministry also released a series of helpline numbers to ensure passengers and their relatives could receive timely updates.
- Chennai Division: 04425354151, 04424354995
- Samastipur: 8102918840
- Darbhanga: 8210335395
- Danapur: 9031069105
- DDU Junction: 7525039558
These helplines have been set up at various locations to provide real-time assistance and information for those affected by the accident.
Community and National Response
The accident involving the Chennai Bagmati Express has sparked concern across the country, with citizens and officials alike calling for stricter safety measures. The Southern Railway GM assured that the matter would be thoroughly investigated to prevent such incidents in the future. Meanwhile, around 400 residents near the crash site offered help, providing immediate assistance to rescue workers as they evacuated passengers and worked to extinguish the fires in the derailed coaches.
The Chennai Bagmati Express accident is the latest in a series of unfortunate incidents involving Indian Railways, prompting widespread calls for enhanced safety protocols to prevent such disasters. While no fatalities have been reported, the focus remains on the speedy recovery of the injured and ensuring the future safety of rail passengers.
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