A train accident was averted when an EMU came to a screeching halt after hitting three big stones placed across the track between Guduvanchery and Urapakkam railway stations on Friday.
Police sources said the suburban electric train (CB 16) was on its way to Chennai Beach from Chengalpattu. A little past 9.30 p.m., the motorman noticed the three pieces of big stones placed across the track a little distance ahead. He applied the brakes in an attempt to bring it to a halt immediately. However, the train hit the stones and stopped.
Commuters panicked and rushed towards the engine. In the impact of the collision, the train developed a snag. A group of engineering crew of Southern Railway, who happened to be travelling in the train, attended to the problem.
The train resumed after a delay of about 30 minutes. After it reached Tambaram, commuters were asked to change to another train towards Beach.
The train was taken to the Electric Multiple Unit Car Shed and a thorough check was made. A huge posse of policemen from Railway Protection Force, Government Railway Police and also from Kancheepuram district was deployed and was also making checks all along the railway track between Tambaram and Chengalpattu.
