Visakhapatnam, Dec 29 (NationPress) The fire aboard the Tatanagar-Ernakulam Express reportedly originated from the linen storage, as per preliminary investigations conducted by the Railway authorities.

Tragically, a passenger lost their life due to the fire that engulfed two coaches of the train at Yelamanchili in the Anakapalli district during the early hours of Monday.

Initial findings indicate that the fire did not start from the electrical panel, which is typically the case, but rather from the linen storage area, as stated by South Central Railway (SCR).

The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) for the South Central Circle is set to carry out a comprehensive investigation into this fire incident.

One coach caught fire, and the flames subsequently spread to another coach.

The coaches were promptly separated by creating a space and were pulled away using a shunting locomotive.

While all passengers managed to evacuate, one individual, Chandrasekhar Sundar, aged 70, tragically could not escape and perished in the fire.

SCR announced that an ex-gratia payment will be provided to the deceased's family.

The fire was reported in Train No. 18189 Tatanagar-Ernakulam Express at approximately 00:45 hrs as it approached Yelamanchili Railway Station.

Both B1 and M2 coaches were affected by the fire. The Railway staff acted swiftly and immediately alerted the fire brigade. Railway officials also took prompt measures to assist passengers in evacuating the train. The fire brigade arrived on-site and extinguished the flames.

At the time of the incident, there were 82 passengers in the B-1 coach and 75 in the M-2 coach.

Railway authorities confirmed that the impacted coaches were detached, and an additional AC III Tier Coach (M1) was also removed as a precaution.

The remaining train was subsequently moved to Samalkot Railway Station. The affected train resumed its journey at 10:45 hrs after adding three extra coaches.

All stranded passengers were transported from Yelamanchili to Samalkot Railway Station by road and accommodated in the additional coaches.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu praised the Yelamanchili Police and the Fire Department for their rapid and coordinated response, which ensured the safe evacuation of over 150 passengers from the Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express after the fire broke out.

“I commend the immediate actions of the RPF and Railway staff, who efficiently separated the front and rear coaches, averting further damage. Their professionalism, timely support, and effective crowd management ensured the situation was handled with safety and efficiency. Unfortunately, one life was lost in this incident, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family,” CM Naidu expressed on ‘X’.