At least 42 people were injured as five coaches of the Chennai-Mangalore Express derailed near Viruthachalam in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu early on Friday morning.
One passenger suffered serious injuries and was admitted to a government hospital at Vriddhachalam. Others were given first aid on the spot.
The Chennai-Mangalore Express, which was on its way to Mangalore, was detached from the derailed coaches and departed later. Special buses Trichy and Salem were arranged for the passengers who did not want to carry on their journey, IANS reported.
The Indian Railways has diverted all Chennai-bound trains from south. All the trains have been re-routed via Thanjavur and Kumbakonam, a statement from Madurai Railway Division said.
The accident took place at around 2 am near Poovanur railway station near Virudhachalam, 230 km from Chennai. Railway officials and fire and rescue teams were rushed to the site of derailment, The Times of India reported.
Diverted trains list:
- 12662 Pothigai Express
- 12632 Nellai Express
- 16724 Ananthapuri Express
- 12694 Pearl City Express
- 12634 Kanniyakumari - Chennai Express
- 12636 Madurai - Chennai Vaigai Express
5 coaches of Chennai Mangalore express derailed near Virudhachalam (TN), 42 passengers injured. pic.twitter.com/OFofk9Gboz
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 4, 2015
One person seriously injured, 3 persons rcvd simple injuries & 35 injured were given medical aid on spot: Anil Saxena (Chief PRO, Railways)
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 4, 2015
Five rear coaches were derailed, so we will disconnect the affected coaches and take the train forward: Anil Saxena pic.twitter.com/6YcwZLM87N — ANI (@ANI_news) September 4, 2015
Officials reached the spot & relief op is going on in full swing, Rail Min is monitoring situation: Anil Saxena on Chennai Mangalore express
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 4, 2015
