According to police, the blast occurred when a parcel containing fireworks supplied by Anandan exploded soon after it was offloaded from the Mayiladuthurai-Tirunelveli passenger train.

Two persons were killed in the incident including Raman (35), a relative of Anandan, who was carrying the parcel.

The other deceased was Paramasivam (60), a betel nut seller.Nine others including the Station Master Arumugam (51) were injured in incident occurred a little after 6 p.m.

on platform number two. The injured persons were admitted to the government Rajaji Hospital and a private hospital.

The roof of the railway station collapsed due to the impact of the explosion.

Police teams and railway officials, along with a medical team, rushed to Cholavanthan immediately after the blast. This morning, Southern Railway General Manager M S Jayanth, along with other higher officials, visited the spot. He also visited the hospital where the injured were admitted.

Crack down on cracker-carriers

Strict action will be initiated on those who were found carrying crackers or explosives in trains, Divisional Railway Manager, S K Kulshethra, said today.

Speaking to reporters at Chennai Central Railway Station, he said Explosive Substances Act would be imposed against those who carried explosive items including Deepavali crackers in trains.

Meanwhile, he also said, in Chennai alone 3650 persons died in the last one year while crossing the railway track.