Did Madras HC judges narrowly escape disaster as Yercaud Express hits iron rod on track?
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Synopsis
In a shocking incident, three judges of the Madras High Court and other passengers on the Yercaud Superfast Express narrowly avoided a disaster after the train rolled over a heavy iron rod placed on the tracks. This deliberate act raises serious concerns about train safety and security.
Key Takeaways
- Three judges of the Madras HC were on board the train.
- A heavy iron rod was deliberately placed on the tracks.
- The train was able to stop, avoiding a major derailment.
- No injuries were reported among passengers.
- A thorough investigation is underway.
Chennai, June 18 (NationPress) In a stunning turn of events, three current judges and two former judges of the Madras High Court narrowly escaped disaster when the Yercaud Superfast Express struck a heavy iron rail segment intentionally placed on the tracks near Sankagiri in Salem district.
The train, officially known as the Yercaud Superfast Express (Train No. 22650), was making its way from Erode to Chennai when the incident unfolded around 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday, just after passing Mavelipalayam and nearing Magudanchavadi railway station.
Having departed from Erode Junction at 9:01 p.m., the train was carrying notable passengers including Justices N. Sathish Kumar, G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, and Krishnan Ramasamy, alongside retired Justices K. Kalyanasundaram and M. Govindaraj.
Reports from railway officials indicate that the locomotive collided with a 10-foot-long iron rod—suspected to be a segment of rail track—intentionally placed across the line near Kaligoundampalayam in the Sankari block.
The locomotive managed to drag the obstruction for nearly 300 meters before the pilot successfully halted the train, averting a possible derailment that could have had devastating consequences.
As a result of this collision, the engine’s brake lining became jammed, rendering it non-operational. Thankfully, none of the train’s coaches were impacted, and no injuries were reported among the passengers.
Upon inspection, the crew discovered the iron rod lodged beneath the engine.
Officials from the Salem Railway Division, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), and local police from Magudanchavadi quickly arrived at the scene. The obstruction was cleared, and a relief engine was dispatched from Erode.
The train resumed its journey around 11:45 p.m., with passengers arriving in Chennai early Wednesday morning after a delay of roughly three hours.
Railway authorities are treating this incident with utmost seriousness, suspecting it to be a deliberate attempt to compromise train safety.
A thorough investigation is underway, with surveillance footage from the area being scrutinized.
This incident also caused delays for numerous other trains on the Erode-Chennai route. Officials have ordered increased patrolling and track inspections in the area to prevent future sabotage attempts.
Point of View
It's imperative to highlight the serious nature of this incident. Deliberate sabotage of railway infrastructure endangers lives and must be addressed with urgency. The safety of passengers, including high-profile individuals, should be paramount. It's crucial for authorities to enhance security measures to prevent such reckless acts in the future.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on the Yercaud Superfast Express?
Three judges of the Madras High Court and other passengers narrowly escaped disaster when the train hit an iron rod placed on the tracks.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident took place near Sankagiri in Salem district, just after the train passed Mavelipalayam.
Were there any injuries reported?
Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers, although the engine was damaged.
What actions are being taken following the incident?
Railway authorities have initiated an investigation and increased patrolling and inspections in the area.
How did the train manage to stop?
The loco pilot was able to halt the train after dragging the iron rod for nearly 300 meters, preventing a derailment.
