Kacheguda train derailed after coaches break away

Two AC coaches of a superfast train ripped apart and a portion of the toilet fell on the tracks near Channasandra station on Friday evening, delaying the train by about four hours.

The Mysuru-Kacheguda Superfast Express (12786) had arrived to Bengaluru around 6.30 pm and passed Byappanahalli station at 6.53 pm. “The parting of train happened at 7.06 pm between Baiyyappanahalli and Channasandra of Bengaluru Division. Two 3AC coaches were affected and are being replaced now. Train may continue its journey by 10.30 pm (sic),” South Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer E Vijaya said.

The rake of the train has 24 coaches apart from the engine. The engine had pulled away the first eight coaches, leaving two-thirds of the rake behind. However, since the train was running in a low speed of 15 kmph, the loco-pilot stopped the engine about 100 metres further.

To a question, Vijaya said no injuries were reported from the incident. “We are assessing the damage as well as the cause that led to the incident. Primafacie, loose coupling doesn’t seem to be the cause. However, we will know the answer only after the assessment,” she said.

Images from the scene showed that the passage of the train had suffered damages though the shell the coach remained intact. However, the toilet portion of one of the coaches was ripped and fallen on the ground, blocking the movement.

Sources said an accident relief train was necessary to clear the tracks to facilitate the continuation of the train.