Spl train with 250 survivors to reach city early morning

CHENNAI: Around 250 passengers of the ill-fated Coromandel Express 12841 who survived the train crash in Odisha have boarded a special train to Chennai. Special train P13671 left Bhadrak Station in Odisha at 8.40 am and is expected to reach Chennai before 4 am on Sunday.

“Among the passengers of the Coromandel Express who were fit to travel, we identified those who were willing to return to Chennai. We moved the willing passengers to Bhadrak by bus. Some 250 passengers have started from Bhadrak station to Chennai by the special train,” Chief Public Relations Officer of Southern Railway B Guganesan told DT Next.

“The special train left Bhadrak at 8.40 am Saturday. The running time (journey time) is 20 hours. Considering various factors, we expect it to reach Chennai before 9 am Sunday,” Guganesan added.

The timing was later revised by the railway sources to before 4 am.

Asked about the condition of the 250 passengers on board the special train, he said, “Most of them are fit. Our TTEs are preparing a list by interacting with passengers. Some have mild injuries, neck pain etc. We are collecting the details. Whatever treatment they require, we are equipped to provide.”

Spl train leaves Chennai for Bhadrak

Another special train 02840 has left Dr MGR Chennai Central for Bhadrak to help the family members of the victims of the Coromandel Express. The train left with around 640 passengers from Chennai Central at 7.15 pm Saturday. However, hardly a dozen of them were identified as kith and kin of the passengers who were on board the Coromandel Express involved in the accident.