Five coaches of a Puducherry-bound train derailed near Villupuram railway station this morning, but a major disaster was averted due to the loco pilot's swift action in applying the brakes.
All passengers were evacuated safely from the train and no one was injured, said railway officials to media. The reason for the derailment will be known only after the inquiry is completed, they added.
Staff and engineers have been rushed to the spot and repair work is underway on the derailed train.
Meanwhile, the authorities are investigating, the railway staff cleared the route for other trains to pass, they said.
The MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) train which left Villupuram at 5:25 am was crossing a curve when a coach derailed and the loco pilot applied brakes immediately. A MEMU train is a short distance train covering about 38 km.
Villupuram Railway Police have started their inquiry into the incident.
Just last week a goods train had derailed near Srinavaspuram in Dachapelli mandal of Andhra Pradesh’s Palnadu district. The train was going to Vishnupuram Rashi Cement Factory for loading cement.
Trains on Guntur-Hyderabad route were diverted via Vijayawada.
