Chennai- Mangalore Express derails, 42 injured

At least 42 people were injured when 5 coaches of Chennai- Mangalore Express derailed near Viruthachalam district around 2am in Friday morning. 

Three people are seriously injured and they have been admitted to local hospital. There are no reports of casualty and the train has now left for its destination, according to TV reports. 

According to a report in The Hindu, passengers from the derailed Mangalore Express are being taken by special buses to places like Villupuram, Tiruchi, and Salem. A team has already been in put place by railway officials to help the stranded passengers.

Trains have apparently been diverted via other places like Salem and Thanjavur to Chennai.  Trains like the Madurai-Chennai Vaigai and Tiruchi-Chennai Pallavan Superfast Express will run through Thanjavur and Kumbakonam added the report.

The Hindu reports that railway officials have stated that train services are likely to return to normalcy by noon today. Senior railway personnel have rushed to the site of the accident to begin restoration work and help in relief and rescue operations as well. 

More details awaited.