Click to play videoNew Delhi: Fifteen passengers were killed when a fire broke out in a train in Waranagal district of Andhra Pradesh early this morning.
The incident occurred at 0105 hrs (IST) when Gautami Express was crossing a forest area between Tallapusalapalli and Mehboobabad stations in the Waranagal district, about 250 kms from state capital Hyderabad.
The fire broke out in S-9, one of the sleeper coaches, of the Secunderabad-Kakinada Gouthami express and soon spread to four other coaches, railway officials and police said.
Railway Minister Lalu Yadav says, “S-10 bogie is the worst hit.”
He has confirmed the death of thirteen people in the incident. He has also announced Rs five lakh as compensation and jobs in railways for the family of dead. He has also announced Rs one lakh for those seriously injured.
The cause of the fire is not clear yet. "The fire broke in one of the sleeper coaches of the Secunderabad-Kakinada Gautami express near Mehboobabad early this morning and soon spread to other coaches," South Central Railway spokesman P Krishnaiah was quoted as saying by news agencies.
SP, Warangal, V C Sajjanar said investigation is on and all the injured people been shifted to Warangal hospital.
“We have called in forensic experts to determine the cause of fire. The major cause of death appears to be asphyxiation,:” Sajjanar told CNN-IBN.
"The rescue teams from Secunderabad, Kazipet and Vijaywada were immediately rushed to the spot and burning coaches were detached from the train," Krishnaiah said.
Andhra Pradesh minister G Surya Rao, who was also travelling in the ill-fated train was safe, officials said.
Following the accident, several trains on Hyderabad-Vijaywada section were cancelled while some others diverted
Gautami Express runs between Kakinara and Sikandrabad. The fire has been brought under control.
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