Dharmapuri (Tamil Nadu): Around 2,350 passengers on board the 07390 Kannur- Yeshwantpur Express train had a narrow escape after boulders fell on it on a ghat section in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu in the early hours of Friday.
As per the information from South Western Railway (SWR), seven coaches B1, B2 (3rd AC), S6, S7, S8, S9, S10 (sleeper) of Kannur-Yeshwantpur Express were derailed between the Toppuru-Sivadi ghat section in Dharmapuri.
"All the 2,348 passengers on board are safe," said SWR.
No casualties or injuries reported till now. Following the incident, the DRM Bengaluru Shyam Singh with the divisional team of senior officers and a doctor rushed to the spot immediately with an accident relief train (ART) and medical equipment van at 4.45 am.
"The unaffected rear portion of six coaches and SLR along with passengers is cleared towards Toppuru and further to Salem. This will be halted at Toppuru. Fifteen buses are being arranged at Toppuru for the convenience of passengers. Five buses are being arranged at the spot of the accident. Water and light refreshment have been arranged at the spot," stated SWR.
Senior railway officers, Principal Heads of Departments, and the Disaster Management Cell, Hubballi are closely monitoring the situation.
A help desk also opened at Hosur (04344-222603), Bengaluru (080-22156554) and Dharmapuri (04342-232111).
Track restoration was in progress. Boulders were being removed with earthmoving equipment.
As per a report by The Hindu, SWR officials said three trains have been diverted due to the derailment.
Train no. 02677 KSR Bengaluru - Ernakulam Superfast special departed is diverted to run via Baiyyappanahali, Bangarapet and Tirupattur. Whereas, train no. 07236 Nagercoil Jn- KSR Bengaluru Festival Special schedule is diverted to run via Salem, Tirupathur, Bangarapet and KSR Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, train no. 07316 Salem - Yesvantpur Express Special which was scheduled to leave at 5:30 am will be regulated at Salem and rescheduled by three hours.