Fire in Tata–Ernakulam Express: Two coaches gutted in Andhra Pradesh blaze, one dead, several injured

Andhra Pradesh: A fire broke out in the Tata-Ernakulam Superfast Express late Sunday night in the Anakapalle district of Andhra Pradesh. This train was going to Kerala via Visakhapatnam. At around 1:30 in the night, a fire suddenly broke out in two AC coaches (B-1 and M-2) near Elamanchili station. Most of the passengers were sleeping at that time, so initially no one understood what was happening.

What did the passengers see, and how were they saved?

As soon as smoke started filling the coaches, people started getting down in panic. A stampede-like situation occurred at the station. Even before the train could move forward, the loco pilot immediately stopped the train as soon as he saw the fire in the coaches. The fire department was called immediately. Fire brigade vehicles arrived from Anakapalle, Elamanchili, and Nakkapalle. After a lot of effort the fire was controlled, but both the coaches were completely burnt.

How many people were affected?

In this accident, 70-year-old passenger Chandrashekhar Sundar, a resident of Visakhapatnam, burnt to death. About two dozen passengers have received complaints of minor injuries and burns. The belongings of many people were reduced to ashes in the fire. Arrangements were made to send the remaining passengers in other coaches and buses.

What is believed to be the cause of the accident?

Initial investigation indicated that the brakes of the B-1 coach had jammed. Due to this the heat increased and the fire spread. Railway officials said the fire was detected after the train stopped, and the remaining parts were saved in time. At present the technical team is fully investigating how this error occurred.

What was the reaction of the government and railways?

State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anita expressed grief over the incident and gave instructions for the treatment of the injured. He expressed condolences to the family of the deceased. Railway officials said that the train was stopped near Elamanchili, the passengers were safely deboarded, and arrangements were made for buses and other trains for the onward journey. Many trains have had to be canceled or diverted on the affected routes.