Anakapalli (Andhra Pradesh), Dec 29 (UNI) A 70-year-old passenger was charred to death after a fire broke out in two AC coaches of Train No. 18189 Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express in the early hours of Monday. The incident occurred at around 00:45 hours as the train was approaching Elamanchili Railway Station in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh, Railway officials said.
In the incident, B1 and M2 coaches were affected by fire, according to a railway official here.
According to Anakapalli district collector Vijaya Klrishnan, who rushed to the spot, said, “It is unfortunate that one 70-year-old passenger, a resident of Vijayawada, was charred to death in the incident. Other passengers in the two coaches managed to escape.”
Railway staff, who acted swiftly, informed the fire brigade and assisted passengers in safely deboarding the train.
Fire services reached the spot and extinguished the blaze.
The two affected coaches were detached, while one additional AC III Tier coach (M1) was also detached as a precautionary measure, the officials said.
The remaining train formation is being moved to Samalkot Railway Station, where three empty coaches are being arranged for attachment.
Passengers from the affected coaches are being shifted to Samalkot using bus services, the officials said.
Senior railway officials, including the Commissioner of Railway Safety (SCR) and DRM Vijayawada, rushed to the site.
Forensic and medical teams have been deployed to determine the cause of the fire.
Railways have set up helpline numbers at Elamanchili (7815909386), Anakapalle (7569305669), Tuni ( 7815909479), Samalkot ( 7382629990), Rajahmundry (088- 32420541; 088-32420543), Eluru (7569305268), and Vijayawada 0866-2575167) to assist passengers and provide train-related information.
