Chennai: Nineteen passengers were injured when the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express train collided with a stationary goods train at Kavaraipettai in Chennai Division in the Southern Railway on Friday night, even as Chief Minister M K Stalin deputed a Minister an senior officials, and has been monitoring the relief and rescue works.
Talking to reporters, TN Minister S M Naser, deputed by the CM, said a total of 19 passengers sustained injuries in the mishap, after six coaches derailed in the impact of the collision and two coaches caught fire.
While three passengers, who suffered fractures were shifted to government Stanley medical college hospital, where Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin enquired about their health condition.
Mr Udhayanidhi told reporters that the condition of the three passengers were stable and the government has made alternative arrangements to transport the stranded passengers to their native places.
Mr Nasar said 13 others, who suffered simple injuries were treated at Ponneri Government Hospital.
He said six coaches had derailed and all the 1,300-odd passengers were rescued and several of them were housed in a marriage hall where all basic facilities, including food, drinking water and medical facilities were provided, though reports said rescue operations are still on.
Railway said 12-13 coaches derailed and fire broke out in the parcel van, which was immediately doused.
Senior government officials are involved in rescue and relief works on the directives of Mr Stalin, the Minister added.
Giant cranes were being deployed to restore the derailed coaches at the site, while through traffic on the busy sector was being maintained in alternate lines.
Meanwhile, Mr Stalin expressed shock over the incident and said he has deputed Mr Nasar and Chief Secretary and other senior officials to the spot to monitor the rescue and relief work.
He also said he was continuously monitoring the relief efforts and was in touch with the district
The Southern Railway has announced opening of helpline for the benefit of passengers and said Relief and Restoration work at the accident spot is going on in full swing.
Doctors, Ambulances, Medical Relief Van & Rescue team, senior officers including General Manager, Additional General Manager, Southern Railway and top officials of both Railways and State Govt/District Administration are at site and most of the passengers have been rescued, either released or moved to hospitals as needed.
Alternative arrangements have been made to transport, accommodate and feed the remaining passengers, Railway said.