However, train services with Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, are in chaos. Southern Railway has announced the cancellation of several trains departing from Chennai and detours of five trains, Xinhua Newsletter reported.
The fire broke out when a freight train with 45 coaches ferries the crude oil while passing through Thiruvalur district, about 45 km west of Chennai.
“This morning, a freight train carrying crude oil was set on fire as it passed through the Thiruvalur Egatur section from Enoa to Jarpettai,” the police officer said. “According to the initial reports, four coaches are completely engulfed in flames and the fire is spreading to additional coaches.”
Authorities rushed firefighters to the spot to contain the flames. TV images showed a large flame-emitting column of thick black smoke empty.
National disaster response forces are also being deployed to support rescue operations.
The report said authorities evacuated residents who live near trucks as a precautionary measure.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known. However, police suspect that the derailment of the two wagons caused the fire.
MA/PR