Heavy Rain Triggers Landslide Near Dharmapuri

A major accident was narrowly averted near Dharmapuri after a boulder rolled down a hillside and hit an express train amid heavy rain. According to police, the train was travelling from Nagercoil to Bengaluru and had crossed Salem when the incident occurred early Sunday morning. The train was passing through the mountainous stretch between Muttampatti and Sivadi railway stations in Dharmapuri district when a boulder loosened by the heavy rain rolled down the hillside and struck the area near the wheels of the front coach.

The impact damaged the train’s shock absorber. The loco pilot immediately stopped the train, preventing a potentially serious accident. The train was subsequently moved slowly to Dharmapuri railway station, where railway technical staff inspected and repaired the damaged component. Following the repairs, the express train resumed its journey after a delay of around 30 minutes.