Train service hit as EMUs run over cattle

At around 7.50 pm on Thursday, the EMU to Beach station departed from the platform seven of the Chengalpattu station. Just about 100 metres away from the station, a group of cattle was grazing on the rail tracks. They did not move after hearing the horn, said the police, adding that the loco pilot could not stop the train. It hit two cattle and other cattle scattered and ran away from the spot. In the melee, they were hit by another EMU which was coming to Chengalpattu from Beach.

Both the trains were stopped on the track following the incident, as the carcasses of the cattle got stuck under their wheels. The staff from Chengalpattu railway station rushed to the spot and began the clear the tracks. The two injured cattle were taken to Chengalpattu veterinary hospital.

This affected the operation of trains. Officials said Nagercoil Express, Ananthapuri Express, Podigai Express, Nellai Express, and Pearl City express had to be halted due to this. The EMU service was also affected, they added. Around 8.50 pm, the tracks were cleared and the trains began to move.

The Railway Police at Chengalpattu and RPF have registered a case, and are conducting inquiry to find out who is the owner of the cattle.