Preliminary probe points towards over-speeding

Preliminary investigation into the train accident at Sitheri has found that it took place due to over-speeding of the EMU train which rammed into a stationary train, Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi today said. 

However, a comprehensive probe would be launched to ascertain if the accident occurred due to human error or technical fault, Trivedi, who arrived here from Delhi along with a team of railway officials, told reporters.

Terming the accident as "unfortunate", he said preliminary investigation had revealed that it was due to over speeding of the EMU train which rammed into the stationary train.

The train driver was not under the influence of alcohol, he said.
The team also visited about 30 injured, admitted to Government General hospital before leaving for the accident site.
Nine persons were killed and 100 others injured when a speeding passenger train rammed into a stationary train at Sitheri near Arakkonam late last night.
He said a breathalyser test was also done on the driver and it was ascertained that he was not under the influence of alcohol.

Asked whether the driver had proper rest, Trivedi said he had a 15-hour break ahead of joining duty on Tuesday night.

Earlier on arrival at Chennai airport along with a team of Railway officials, Trivedi said a comprehensive probe would be launched to ascertain if the accident occurred due to human error or technical fault.

The team also visited about 30 injured, admitted to Government General hospital in Sitheri before leaving for the accident site.

Nine people were killed and 100 others injured when a speeding passenger train rammed into a stationary train at Sitheri near Arakkonam late on Tuesday night.

Train services on Chennai-Arakkonam sector, which was halted after the train accident at Sitheri about 90 km from Chennai on Tuesday night, killing nine persons, resumed on Wednesday evening.

The services were restored this evening, official sources said.

Many trains were cancelled and some diverted via Villupuram and other areas due to the mishap.