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Bagmati Express Collision Injures 19
Bagmati Express Accident: Southern Railway Investigates After 19 Injured
Introduction
The Bagmati Express, traveling from Mysuru to Darbhanga, Bihar, met with a tragic accident on October 11, 2024. The train, identified as Train No. 12578, collided with a stationary goods train near Kavaraipettai, Tamil Nadu. This collision caused 12 coaches of the Express to derail and led to a fire in the parcel van. Fortunately, the fire was quickly extinguished, but 19 passengers were injured, with four reported to be in critical condition. Southern Railway has launched a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this devastating incident.
Incident Overview
At approximately 8:30 pm, the Bagmati Express, running from Mysuru to Darbhanga, was involved in a collision with a stationary goods train near Kavaraipettai. The impact caused 12 of its coaches to derail. In addition to the derailment, a fire broke out in the parcel van of the train. Firefighters and rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were quick to respond, ensuring that the fire was contained and passengers were safely evacuated.
Rescue and Medical Assistance
As soon as the accident occurred, rescue operations were initiated by the NDRF and local emergency teams. A total of 19 passengers were taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, with four of them being in critical condition. Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported, but the severity of the injuries has raised concerns. Railway officials ensured that the remaining passengers were safely transported, and train movement in the area was halted for safety.
Investigation by Southern Railway
Southern Railway has already initiated a high-level investigation to identify the root cause of the accident. The focus of this investigation lies in the apparent failure of railway signals, which appears to be a contributing factor to the collision. Initial reports suggest that the express train was given a green signal to continue on the main line, but instead, it entered the loop line where the stationary goods train was parked.
Signal Failure Blamed for Accident
According to sources within the Railways, the collision resulted from a signal malfunction. The Bagmati Express, traveling at a speed of 75 km/h, was supposed to move along the main line. However, due to a signal error, it was diverted onto the loop line, where it collided with the rear of the parked goods train. Southern Railway confirmed that the train crew experienced a significant jerk as the train diverted from the main line.
A statement from Southern Railway officials read, “While entering Kavaraipettai station, the train crew experienced a heavy jerk, and the train entered the loop line instead of the main line, colliding with the goods train at a speed of 75 km/h.”
Impact on Train Operations
Following the collision, train services on both sides of the section were affected, causing delays and cancellations. Southern Railway worked swiftly to arrange alternative transportation for the passengers who were stranded due to the accident. As of now, efforts are underway to restore normal operations in the affected region.
Comparisons to Previous Incidents
The Bagmati Express accident bears similarities to the tragic Balasore incident in Odisha on June 2, 2023, where a signal failure resulted in a deadly collision that claimed the lives of 290 passengers and injured over 900. Though the Bagmati Express accident did not result in any fatalities, the recurrence of signal-related accidents has drawn concerns about railway safety in India. Southern Railway is determined to prevent future accidents by thoroughly investigating the factors behind the collision and taking corrective measures.
Conclusion
The derailment of the Bagmati Express has once again highlighted the importance of railway safety in India. While no fatalities have been reported, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in the country’s railway system. Southern Railway’s investigation into the accident will hopefully bring clarity to the cause and ensure steps are taken to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is based on reports from trusted sources at the time of writing. Any new developments or official statements may alter the details. This content is for informational purposes only.
