Massive fire on crude oil train near Tiruvallur disrupts rail services in Chennai
Thousands affected
Chennai: Train services in the Chennai–Arakkonam section were thrown into chaos early Sunday morning after a massive fire broke out on a freight train carrying crude oil near Tiruvallur, about 43 km from Chennai Central. Thousands of passengers were affected as both suburban and long-distance train operations were suspended or cancelled.
The incident occurred around 4:45 am when a 45-coach freight train transporting crude oil from Ennore to Jolarpettai caught fire while passing through the Tiruvallur–Egattur section. Preliminary reports suggest the derailment of two wagons may have sparked the blaze, though the exact cause is still under investigation.
The fire quickly engulfed four coaches and spread further, producing towering flames and thick plumes of black smoke. Panic ensued among nearby residents, who were promptly evacuated as a precautionary measure. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.
Fire and Rescue Services were immediately deployed to the scene. Five coaches were detached from the burning rake to prevent the fire from spreading. Restoration efforts are currently underway.
Tiruvallur District Collector M. Prathap visited the site and supervised the evacuation and firefighting measures. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Arakkonam unit, have also been pressed into service to assist with relief and containment operations.
Rail operations bore the brunt of the incident:
All suburban trains between Chennai and Arakkonam were suspended from 5 am.
Eight inbound express trains, including the Mangaluru Mail, Nilgiri Express, and Coimbatore Intercity, were short-terminated at stations between Arakkonam and Katpadi.
Eight outbound express trains from Chennai Central, including the Chennai–Mysuru Shatabdi and Chennai–Bengaluru Double Decker, were fully cancelled.
Four trains were diverted via Gudur and Renigunta routes.
Southern Railway officials have advised passengers to contact helpline numbers 044-25354151 and 044-24354995 for assistance and updated travel information.
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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
