The Chennai Beach-Vellore local train hit the rear of the Arakkonam-Katpadi passenger train. Seven people are feared killed in the accident and 17 are critically injured. 50 injured passengers have been rushed to the Arakkonam Government Hospital.
Sources say the Arakonam-Katpadi local train was waiting for a signal at Chitheri railway station after it had left Arakonam at 9.20 pm. An EMU from Chennai Beach to Vellore Cantonment, which had left Chennai at 8 pm, went on the same track and rammed into the waiting passenger train at about 9.25 pm.
According TV reports quoting eyewitnesses the accident occurred at 9:30 pm in which three bogies have been derailed. Many passengers are trapped under the bogies.
Rescue teams have been rushed to the spot. several trains of the route have been diverted due to accident.
The injured have been rushed to the Arakonam and Vellore government hospitals, as well as hospitals in Kancheepuram.
Heavy rain and darkness are hampering rescue work.More than 100 police officials and firemen are involved in the rescue efforts. Navy personnel and two teams of the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) are also at the site.
Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi is rushing to the site of the accident with senior Railway officials. He has announced a compensation of Rs. 5 lakh for the next of kin of those killed and Rs. 2 lakh for those seriously injured.
Railway officials suspect a signal malfunction, but say it is too early to speculate on what caused the accident. The driver of the EMU and the guard of the stationary train among the dead.
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More details are awaited.