CHENNAI: A coach of a MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) train bound for Puducherry derailed near Villupuram on Tuesday, an official said and a major accident was averted as the loco pilot noticed it and quickly halted the train.

No one was injured and the traffic was restored in about 3 hours, the official said adding the cause of derailment would be known only following completion of an inquiry, which has been ordered. When the Villupuram-Puducherry train with approximately 500 passengers, soon after its departure from Villupuram at 5.25 am, was crossing a curve, a coach derailed and the loco pilot swiftly stopped the train.

The Villupuram-Puducherry MEMU is a short-distance train covering about 38 km.

The derailment caused disruption of train services on the Villupuram route until 8:30 am. The Vande Bharat Express travelling from Chennai to Nagercoil was among the affected services, said a Daily Thanthi report, adding that the train was halted at the Villupuram railway station. Rail traffic in the area remains disrupted as restoration work continues, the report added.

(With inputs from Online Desk)