Driver felt jerk, changed track, hit rake: How Tamil Nadu train accident occurred

An express train collided with a stationary goods rake in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district on Friday evening, leading to a fire in two passenger coaches. According to initial reports, the collision also resulted in the derailment of at least five to six other coaches.
Many people are said to be injured in the collision. However, all passengers, the guard and driver of the train are said to be safe, railway sources said.
The incident occurred when the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Superfast Express train collided with a stationary goods train at Kavarapettai in Chennai Railway Division, officials said.
Initial investigations indicate that the signals for the express train were green, and the train passed the Ponneri station at 8.27 pm, with no immediate issues reported. However, as the train approached Kavarapettai station, near Chennai, the crew felt an intense jerk, prompting the train to veer onto the loop line and collide with the stationary rake, which was parked next to the TE (terminal equipment).

“The train was travelling at 109 km/h when its crew suddenly felt a severe jerk. The passenger train entered a loop line and collided with a stationary goods train on the same track, sources told India Today TV.
Meanwhile, firefighting units, ambulance and rescue teams have been dispatched to the site, and railway officials are working to restore both the up and down lines affected by the derailment.
Authorities have confirmed that the accident has disrupted train operations in the region.
Teams from the MAS Division, including Sr. DEE (Deputy Electrical Engineer) and other officials have reached the site to conduct further inspections and ensure passenger safety.