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In a major train mishap, over 15 people were feared killed and 60 others injured when Chennai BeachVellore Cantonment Mainline EMU (electrical multiple unit) rammed into Arakkonam-Katpadi passenger train at Chitheri near Arakkonam about 90 km from here on Tuesday night.
The Arakkonam-Katpadi passenger train was halted at Chitheri station, when the packed EMU train rammed into it, following a signal failure.

Police sources said at least five bogies of the stationary train and three bogies of the moving train derailed after the accident.

Initial reports said several people who were travelling in the first few coaches of the EMU were trapped as coaches jumped the rails and overturned.

A few trains, which were scheduled to leave Chennai Central, were rescheduled following the mishap.

Though the exact figure about the casualty is not known, sources from the spot told DC that more than 60 persons were feared trapped in the capsised bogies.

Railway sources said relief and medical teams from Chennai had been rushed to the spot. Senior railway and police officers including the district authorities were also assisting in rescue operations along with the fire and rescue service personnel. Rain and darkness hampered relief work, said officials from the spot. Gas cutters were used to extricate trapped passengers from inside the badly damaged and derailed bogies.

Several trains, including Coimbatore-bound Cheran Express, have been cancelled.

Reports added that the motorman of the EMU and the guard of the passenger train were among those killed. In all, three coaches of the EMU train, including the motor unit, capsised.

The mishap occurred around 9.30 pm when locals heard a loud noise followed by screams from passengers. Signal failure is said to be the reason behind the accident.

Helpline numbers are 044 * 25347771, 044 25357398, 09244919572