What Happened After a Fire Engulfed Coach in Andhra Pradesh?
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Synopsis
In a devastating incident in Anakapalli, a fire broke out in the Tata Nagar–Ernakulam Express train, tragically claiming the life of a 70-year-old man. Passengers managed to escape amid the chaos. This story highlights the urgent need for safety measures in railway travel.
Key Takeaways
- One passenger lost his life in the fire incident.
- All other passengers were evacuated safely.
- The fire was contained, but personal belongings were destroyed.
- Railway officials are reviewing safety protocols.
- Immediate response from fire services was crucial in managing the situation.
Anakapalli, Dec 29 (NationPress) A tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when a fire erupted in two air-conditioned coaches of the Tata Nagar–Ernakulam Express (Train No. 18189) near Duvvada, resulting in the death of a 70-year-old man. Several passengers managed to escape unharmed, according to police reports.
Preliminary findings indicate that the train, en route from Tatanagar to Ernakulam via Visakhapatnam district, caught fire around 1:30 a.m. shortly after passing Duvvada.
The flames were concentrated in the B1 and M2 air-conditioned coaches, located adjacent to the pantry car.
A railway police source stated that the loco pilots first detected the incident near a railway point close to Yelamanchili, prompting an immediate halt of the train at the station.
Unfortunately, before firefighters could arrive, the blaze escalated rapidly, completely consuming the two AC coaches.
As thick smoke filled the compartments, panic ensued among the passengers, many of whom fled to the platforms, bewildered by the situation.
Railway officials confirmed that all passengers were safely evacuated, which provided some relief to both the travelers and the authorities.
However, it was confirmed that one passenger, identified as Chandrasekhar Sundar (70), a resident of Vijayawada, was trapped inside the B1 AC coach and succumbed to severe burn injuries.
The train arrived at Anakapalli nearly four hours later than scheduled.
Railway sources noted that sparks and flames were observed near Narsingaballi after the train departed Anakapalli, allegedly due to overheating brakes of the B1 AC coach.
Firefighting teams from Anakapalli, Elamanchili, and Nakkapalli rushed to the scene and worked for several hours to control the fire.
Despite their efforts, all personal belongings in the affected coaches were completely destroyed.
Senior railway officials arrived on-site to evaluate the situation and oversee relief efforts.
As a safety measure, ambulances were stationed nearby.
In the cold night, hundreds of passengers had to wait for hours at the station as officials managed the aftermath of this unfortunate incident.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the urgency for improved safety protocols in railway travel. While the loss of life is tragic, the swift evacuation of passengers shows a commendable response from the railway authorities. Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased and all those affected by this unfortunate incident.
NationPress
11/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire in the train?
The fire was reportedly caused by overheating brakes of the B1 AC coach, leading to sparks and flames.
How many passengers were affected?
All passengers were evacuated safely, although one individual tragically lost their life.
What measures were taken by the railway authorities?
Firefighting teams were dispatched, and ambulances were stationed at the site for safety.
