The Island Express train was on a journey from Bangalore to Kanyakumari when it met with disaster at the Peruman bridge near Ashtamudi Lake. As the train crossed the bridge, structural failure caused several coaches to derail, leading to many plunging into the lake below. Onboard were hundreds of passengers, many of whom were returning home from various places, or on vacations. The scene was chaotic, as both the sound of crashing metal and the pleas for help filled the air. Rescue teams were quickly mobilized, with local fishermen and authorities working together to pull victims from the water and made efforts to provide immediate care for those injured. The aftermath saw over 200 passengers suffering from injuries, with many families mourning their lost loved ones as rescue operations continued into the night.

This incident raised significant concern regarding railway safety standards across India. Investigations into the derailing revealed that the bridge had been under scrutiny and that maintenance issues were present. The catastrophic failure called for urgent reforms in the train safety protocols and infrastructure checks. Following the incident, the Indian Railways launched extensive reviews of their operations and maintenance practices, leading to improved measures meant to prevent future tragedies.