Attempt to derail Yercaud Express foiled near Salem

The piece of iron rod that struck under the engine of Yercaud SuperFast Express in Salem district in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday night, 17 June 2025. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement

In an apparent attempt to derail train No. 22650 Erode–MGR Chennai Central Yercaud Superfast Express, miscreants allegedly placed a 10-foot-long iron rod (a piece of rail track) on the railway tracks near Magudanchavadi railway station in Salem district on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) night. The train collided with the obstruction and the locomotive was damaged.

According to Railway sources, the train departed from Erode Railway Junction at 9:01 p.m. and crossed Mavelipalayam when, around 9:45 p.m. It was approaching Magudanchavadi railway station in the Sankari block. While passing through Kaligoundampalayam, the train struck the metal object and dragged it for about 300 metres. As a result, the brake lining of the engine jammed, rendering the locomotive inoperable. All passengers were safe.

Upon inspection, the loco pilots discovered a piece of rail track wedged beneath the engine. Officials from the Salem Railway Division, personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF), and Magudanchavadi police were alerted and rushed to the scene.

The obstruction was removed, and a replacement engine was dispatched from Erode. The train resumed its journey at 11:45 p.m., resulting in a delay of approximately two hours. Railway officials sais the incident also caused delays to many other trains.

Train resumes journey after over 2-hour delay

The Yercaud Express reached Salem Railway Junction with a delay of 2.19 hours and continued to Chennai, arriving at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday—3 hours and 50 minutes behind schedule.

Police said an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attempted derailment. Railway authorities are also conducting an internal inquiry.

Published - June 18, 2025 10:06 am IST