Passenger train derails in Tamil Nadu; no casualties or injuries reported

CHENNAI: A passenger train derailed in Tamil Nadu. The Arakkonam-Katpadi MEMU passenger train (No 66057) derailed at Chitteri railway station in Ranipet district of Tamil Nadu. No injuries or casualties have been reported in the incident.

The derailment occurred shortly after the train left Chitteri station. Eyewitnesses said they heard a loud noise before the loco pilot stopped the train. Visuals have emerged of a large section of the railway track being damaged at the derailment site.

A senior police officer present at the spot said that there was no casualty and that the railway authorities would share more information. The railways have not yet issued an official statement clarifying the cause of the derailment, whether other train services were disrupted, and how long it will take to restore traffic.

Presently, work is underway to restore traffic. A team including railway employees is at the spot. A major train accident had happened at the same location in 2011. Two trains collided, killing 11 people and injuring more than 70. Therefore, the present incident has raised concerns.