The incident led to major disruption in train services between Arakkonam and Chennai, with railway authorities working urgently to restore normal operations
People gather near a goods train carrying high-speed diesel after it caught fire in Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu. Pic/PTI
A diesel-laden freight train en route to Chennai caught fire near Tiruvallur railway station in Tamil Nadu on Sunday, resulting in a significant fuel spillage, IANS reported.
The incident led to major disruption in train services between Arakkonam and Chennai, with railway authorities working urgently to restore normal operations, according to the news agency.
The train, which was transporting fuel from the Indian Oil Corporation terminal in Chennai to Bengaluru, saw the fire spread to five of its wagons. Emergency teams are currently focused on detaching the unaffected carriages to prevent further escalation, as per the IANS.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and officials have launched a detailed investigation. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.
The goods train consisted of a total of 52 wagons, and emergency personnel are working round the clock to minimise further risks. Thick smoke has been observed rising from the affected area, prompting rapid deployment of fire engines and containment vehicles.
The district administration has swiftly mobilised all relevant departments -- including the police, fire service, and revenue authorities -- to coordinate rescue and firefighting operations.
Tiruvallur District Police Superintendent, Srinivasa Perumal, who inspected the scene, said, “The accident site has been cordoned off for public safety, and the fire service has been notified. Railway authorities are working to detach the remaining carriages to prevent further damage. The public is strongly advised to avoid the area for their own safety,” according to the IANS.
He added, “Preliminary findings indicate the train was transporting diesel and may have derailed, sparking the fire. A full investigation is underway. All departments are working together to contain the blaze and avoid any additional loss or danger.”
Nearby hospitals have begun transferring patients in intensive care to safer facilities as a precaution, while residents living near the accident site are being evacuated, the IANS reported on Sunday.
Alternative transport arrangements are being made for stranded train passengers, with officials facilitating onward travel to nearby cities.
Rescue and containment efforts have been ongoing under the supervision of senior district officials. The investigation continues, and authorities have assured that more information will be shared as it becomes available.
(with IANS inputs)
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