Derailment attempt damages, breaks down train engine near Salem; Madras High Court judges escape unhurt

An apparent act of sabotage was narrowly averted on Tuesday night when unknown individuals placed an iron rail across the tracks in Salem district, aiming to derail the Yercaud-Chennai Express, according to a report by The New Indian Express.

At approximately 9:45 p.m., as the train moved between Mavelipalayam and Magudanchavadi stations, the engine collided with the obstructing iron piece, said the report. The rail was dragged for nearly a kilometre before the locomotive came to a standstill due to mechanical failure.

The incident occurred near Magudanchavadi while the train was en route from Erode to Chennai Central.


Among the passengers were three sitting judges of the Madras High Court and several retired judges, reportedly returning from a memorial service.

Swift response & engine replacement

Following the mishap, teams from Erode and Salem railway stations, along with the railway police, arrived promptly to assess the situation.

TNIE reported that despite efforts to restore the damaged engine, it remained non-functional after 90 minutes. A replacement locomotive was then dispatched from Salem, allowing the train to resume its journey at 11:31 p.m.

Fortunately, none of the passengers sustained injuries.

Railway officials later confirmed that all safety measures were taken and that the train was able to proceed with minimal delay once the new engine was attached.

Police probe & initial theories

Railway police have launched an investigation and registered a case under two provisions of the Railways Act, 1989.

K. Babu, Deputy Superintendent of Railway Police told TNIE that officers are analysing CCTV footage from the surrounding area and have collected material evidence from the site.

“A case has been registered under two sections of the Railways Act, 1989. Evidence has been collected from the scene, and we are also looking into nearby CCTV footage. Further investigations are on,” Babu told TNIE.