Blast on rail track in Tamil Nadu, narrow escape for passengers
By IANSFriday, June 11, 2010
CHENNAI - Passengers of Chennai-bound Rockfort Express had a miraculous escape Saturday morning when the driver stopped the train immediately after receiving a warning about a blast on the track near Perani station, 160 km from here.
The blast damaged three feet of tracks and caused a four feet crater, Vellupuram police officials told IANS.
The driver stopped the train 200 feet before the damaged spot, they said, adding that the railway officials at Trichy and Chennai were informed immediately.
Railway Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Pon Manickavel and other officials rushed to the spot.
Repairing work is on and the traffic is expected to be restored by 9 a.m., the officials said.
Trains coming from southern districts to Chennai were delayed because of the blast. Rockfort Express, Pearl City Express, Kanyakumari Express, Mumbai-Madurai Express and others have been stopped midway. Trains departing from here to Guruvayoor, Puducherry and other places were also delayed.
