In a tragic incident on Friday night, October 11, 2024, the Mysuru-Darbhanga Express (Train No. 12578) collided with a stationary goods train near Kavaraipettai, close to Gummidipoondi in the Chennai Division of Southern Railway. The accident occurred around 8:30 p.m. when the express train, traveling at 75 kmph, was mistakenly diverted onto a loop line due to a signal failure.
The collision led to 13 coaches derailing and a parcel van catching fire, causing significant damage. The train had just passed Ponneri station and was supposed to pass through Kavaraipettai on the main line but instead entered the loop line where the goods train was parked.
Railway authorities have launched an investigation into the signal failure that caused the mishap. Emergency services responded promptly, and rescue operations are underway.