Two coaches, including the generator van coach of Chennai-Mangaluru Central Express derailed after jumping the shunting neck when it was being shunted towards the pit line near Mangaluru Central Railway Station on Tuesday noon.
Since the train (Train No. 12685) was being shunted for maintenance, there were no passengers and hence no injuries. The incident occurred at around 11.55 a.m. as the train was being reversed in speed beyond the prescribed limits, sources in Southern Railway said.
While the line to the maintenance yard was blocked due to the incident, officials were worried about operation of other trains. However, within an hour, empty coaches, except the two that had got derailed, were removed.
Workers attending the mishap were of the opinion that it would take at least two days to remove the derailed coaches as the generator van had climbed on the earth which was at a higher level.
Railway sources said operation of other trains to and from Mangaluru Central remained unaffected.
Meanwhile, the Mangaladevi Road, abutting the mishap spot, witnessed traffic jam as hundreds of curious people thronged the spot to have a look at the derailed coaches.
Fire Force and Emergency Services Personnel rushed to the spot as diesel from generator van’s tank began leaking. There was no untoward incident however.
