PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Dec 29: A major tragedy struck the Tata–Ernakulam Express late on Monday night when a massive fire broke out in two air-conditioned coaches of the train in the Yelamanchili area of Andhra Pradesh.
The incident claimed the life of one passenger, while several others sustained injuries.
Indian Railways has ordered a high-level probe into the incident.
According to preliminary information, the fire erupted in the B-1 and M-2 AC coaches around 12:45 am, when the train was about 66 Km away from Visakhapatnam.
Flames and thick smoke rapidly spread through the coaches, creating panic among passengers.
Also Read- President Murmu begins Jamshedpur visit amid tight security
Railway sources said alert loco pilots noticed smoke and immediately stopped the train.
However, before fire tenders could reach the spot, both AC coaches were completely gutted.
Fire brigade personnel later brought the blaze under control using water cannons after strenuous efforts.
One charred body was recovered from the B-1 coach.
The deceased has been identified as Chandrashekhar Sundaram. Nearly two dozen passengers were reportedly injured and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Other passengers were safely evacuated from the train.
As a precautionary measure, an additional AC-3 tier coach (M-1) was detached from the train.
The damaged coaches were separated, and the remaining portion of the train was later sent towards Ernakulam.
Senior railway officials, including the Railway Safety Commissioner (CRS) and DRM Vijayawada, reached the accident site.
A forensic team has begun probing the exact cause of the fire. Railways have also announced a detailed safety review.
Also Read- Cold wave persists across Jharkhand, Lohardaga shivers at 3.1°C
Helpline numbers have been issued for passengers and their families, and authorities have appealed to the public to rely only on official sources for updates.
Alternative transport arrangements were made to ferry affected passengers to Samalkot railway station.
