An express train collided with a stationary goods train near Chennai on Friday evening, injuring at least  19 people and causing derailment of 13 coaches due to the impact of the crash, officials said. Two coaches caught fire in the mishap.

The accident involving the Darbhanga Bagmati Express and the goods train occurred at  Tamil Nadu's Kavaraipettai railway station, near Chennai.

"Rear end collision  at KAVARAIPPETTAI Railway Station around 20.30 hrs today in Chennai -Gudur section involving Train No.12578 Mysuru – Darbhanga Bagmati Express and a Goods train," the Ministry of Railway posted on X.

According to media reports, under the impact of the collision, a fire broke out in two compartments, and at least 13 coaches derailed.

"The stranded passengers of the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express were transferred to another special train on Saturday morning to continue their journey. The injured people have been hospitalised," an India Today report said.

An NDTV report quoting Tiruvallur District Collector Dr T Prabhushankar said 1,360 passengers were on board.

"19 of the passengers are reported to be injured, and of them, four suffered severe injuries. They were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital," he said. No death was reported so far.

Both national and state disaster response force (NDRF and SDRF) teams and ambulances rushed to the spot.

According to media reports, the crew of the express train experienced a jerk as it entered the loop line.

It was then the Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express collided with a goods train that was stabled there.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi slammed the government for one more railway accident.
"The Mysuru-Darbhanga train accident mirrors the horrific Balasore accident—a passenger train colliding with a stationary goods train. Despite many lives lost in numerous accidents, no lessons are learned. Accountability starts at the top. How many more families must be destroyed before this government wakes up?" he posted on X.

Helpline Numbers:

Chennai Division
044 25354151
044 24354995

Samastipur
06274-81029188

Darbhanga
06272-8210335395

Deendayal Upadhyay Junction
7525039558