As the train halted, passengers rushed out in panic. However, Chandrasekhar Sundar (70) was unable to escape and died in the incident.
A 70-year-old man lost his life after a fire broke out on the Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express in the early hours of Monday near Elamanchili railway station in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district. Several passengers narrowly escaped as the blaze spread through two coaches of the train.
The incident occurred around 12.45 am when the train (No. 18189) was passing through Elamanchili station. The loco pilot noticed flames coming from one of the coaches and immediately stopped the train, preventing a larger tragedy. Railway staff quickly detached the affected coaches to stop the fire from spreading further.
According to officials, the fire started in the B1 coach, possibly from the linen storage area, and not from the electrical panel as initially suspected. Two coaches — B1 and M2 — were completely gutted, while another coach, M1 (AC III Tier), was detached as a precaution.
As the train halted, passengers rushed out in panic. However, Chandrasekhar Sundar (70) was unable to escape and died in the incident. Railway authorities said ex-gratia compensation will be provided to the victim’s family.
Fire brigade teams reached the spot and brought the blaze under control. The remaining train coaches were later moved to Samalkot railway station, where arrangements are being made to attach replacement coaches. Buses were also arranged to transport passengers from the affected coaches to Samalkot.
Senior officials from the South Central Railway, including the Divisional Railway Manager (Vijayawada) and the Commissioner of Railway Safety, visited the site. Forensic and medical teams were deployed, and a detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Railway authorities have set up helpline numbers to assist passengers and provide updates on train services.
