Goods train carrying diesel catches fire near Tiruvallur, train services disrupted

A goods tanker train carrying diesel caught fire near Tiruvallur in Tamil Nadu on July 13 (Sunday), leading to major disruptions in railway operations, citing officials who added that efforts to control the flames are ongoing. 

Officials told the news agency that as a precautionary and safety measure, the overhead power supply has been switched off and all EMU local train services in the Chennai-Arakkonam section have been temporarily suspended.

Tiruvallur DC M. Prathap said that the diesel goods train was travelling from Manali to Jolarpet and onwards to Karnataka. It caught fire near the Tiruvallur Railway Station at around 5.30 am on July 13. According to Prathap, “The Initial fire started in five bogies. On receiving the information from the railways, the district administration, along with the district police and all other departments, mobilised in a record time, and we have taken steps to mitigate the disaster.”

“There were some 52 bogies along with the vehicle, and around 40 bogies have been detached and moved away from the burning train. People living nearby have been evacuated and moved to a safe place. Necessities are being provided to them. Fire teams from nearby cities and districts are also being mobilised. Fire has almost been brought under control,” he added.