Rescue operations are over and work is on to restore the rail track. However, bad weather is slowing down the process.
The accident took place at about 9.30 last evening, when the Chennai Beach-Vellore local rammed into the Arakkonam-Katpadi train - which was stationary at that time. A compensation of Rs 5 lakh for familes of the dead and Rs 1 lakh for the injured has been announced. Union Railways Minister Dinesh Trivedi will be reaching the site later on Wednesday morning.
"Initial reports suggest that the driver may have jumped the signal, but this is not confirmed yet. Our officials have reached the site. Compensation of RS 5 lakh will be given to victims' families and RS 1 lakh to the injured. The state Chief Secretary is looking into it. We will confirm the casualty figures only after looking into detailed probe reports," said Trivedi.
Victims recount train tragedy
"The train was going in front when another one came and hit it from the rear," said Sunder, a passenger.
"The train was heading to Arrakkonam when it got hit by another train from behind. I fell over, the train was split in two and it lost control. I got injured on my head and body. I didn't understand anything then but an auto came and brought me to the hospital," said Murugan.
"The probe is on, can't say if it was a human error. I haven't been able to speak to the driver yet. His condition seems to be critical," said Sylendra Babu.
'Track to be ready in 14 hours'
"Most probably the driver has not adhered to the signal and he has come and crashed into the rear of this train," said John Thomas, ADRM, Chennai Division.
The accident disrupted rail traffic on the busy Chennai-Katpadi sector with two trains being cancelled and some others diverted.
Chennai Helpline numbers:
044 - 25357398
044 - 25347771
044 - 25355793
044 - 25353938
044 - 25352639
044 - 25352629
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