CHENNAI: Train services on the busy Chennai–Arakkonam route were disrupted early Sunday morning after a crude oil tanker on a freight train caught fire near Thiruvallur. The freight train, carrying 45 tankers of high speed diesel, had departed from Ennore in Chennai and was en route to Wallajahbad in Tamil Nadu when the incident occurred around 5am in the Egattur area near Thiruvallur.

According to railway sources, one of the tankers suddenly caught fire and the flames quickly spread to adjoining tankers, sparking a major fire. Thick smoke was seen billowing from the site. Authorities immediately halted rail traffic on the affected stretch as a safety precaution. Several passenger and freight services were delayed or diverted as operations on the Chennai–Arakkonam section were temporarily suspended.

While there have been no reports of injuries so far, officials said a full assessment would be carried out once the fire is completely brought under control. Senior railway officials and fire service teams are at the site monitoring the situation. An investigation will be launched to determine the cause of the fire.Safety measuresThe Tiruvallur district administration has advised the public to avoid entering the area, so as not to hinder the work of emergency personnel.

People with respiratory issues are urged to stay indoors and, if needed, seek assistance from nearby government hospitals or officials.Tiruvallur District Collector M. Prathap, has requested the cooperation of the public as firefighting operations continue.As a precautionary and safety measure, all EMU local train services in the Chennai–Arakkonam section were temporarily suspended.

Fire and rescue services, along with railway officials, were immediately deployed and are actively managing the situation at the site. Restoration work is in progress, and normal train operations will resume at the earliest.Passengers are requested to plan their journey accordingly. please contact the following helpline numbers: 044-25354151, 044-24354995