Freight train ferrying oil catches fire, train services hit

A moving goods train carrying diesel caught fire on Sunday at Tiruvallur in northern Tamil Nadu affecting train services in the arterial Chennai-Arakkonam route, the Southern Railway said.

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No casualties were reported. Passengers were, however, stranded and state transport corporation operated special buses to cater to the needs of the travelling public.

According to the Southern Railway’s official release, few intermediate wagons of the goods train, carrying diesel caught fire while exiting Tiruvallur railway station at around 5.30 hours and many other wagons (3rd from engine onwards) also derailed and 18 wagons were gutted.

The goods train was from Chennai Harbour to Walajah Road Siding (Walajabad). The fire, coupled with huge columns of thick smoke rose up the sky and fire tenders were rushed to the spot.