The Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express collided with a stationary goods train in southern India’s Tamil Nadu, leading to the derailment of 12 coaches and injuring 19 passengers. While no fatalities were reported, causing disruption to train movement.

The incident took place at Kavaraipettai Railway Station, situated in the Tiruvallur district, along the Chennai-Gudur section between Ponneri and Kavarapettai railway stations, approximately 46 km from Chennai on October 11.

Visuals showed a drone view of the aftermath of the train collision, with multiple train coaches scattered and broken along the railway tracks after the impact. Some of the derailed coaches lie on their sides, crumpled and twisted, while others are overturned, partially off the tracks. The once-straight train line is now interrupted by the wreckage. A large crowd of onlookers, including rescue teams and locals, is gathered around the scene. Emergency personnel are moving between the damaged coaches, attending to the injured, while smoke from the extinguished fire lingers in the air. The area is chaotic yet organized, with the tracks and surrounding area bearing the marks of the powerful collision.

According to a statement from the Railways, the train passed Ponneri station at 20:27 hours, and the crew experienced a heavy jerk as the train entered a loop line and struck the stationary goods train. The collision led to the derailment of 12-13 coaches, and the parcel van next to the engine caught fire, which was later extinguished by the fire brigade.

Nineteen passengers were injured in the incident, with 14 suffering major injuries. They were immediately transported to Stanley Hospital in Chennai for treatment, while five others with minor injuries were taken to nearby facilities. A medical relief van and rescue teams were dispatched to the site from Chennai Central Station.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed shock over the incident and has instructed swift rescue operations, with senior officials and the district collector overseeing the situation on-site. The affected train coaches are being cleared by the fire department, and arrangements for the remaining passengers’ food and travel are underway.

Train movement in both directions has been halted as a result of the accident, with efforts to restore normal operations ongoing.