Bhubaneswar: A 70-year-old man was charred to death after a fire broke out in two air-conditioned coaches of the Tata Nagar–Ernakulam Express at Duvvada in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district, triggering panic among passengers.
The incident occurred when the train was passing through the Duvvada section, officials said. Flames and thick smoke rapidly spread inside two AC coaches, forcing several passengers to jump out or flee to adjoining coaches to save their lives. Most passengers managed to escape safely, though one elderly passenger was trapped and died in the blaze.
Railway and fire department personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information and brought the fire under control. The affected coaches were detached from the train, and rail traffic in the section was temporarily disrupted.
Preliminary reports suggest a possible electrical fault as the cause of the fire, though a detailed investigation has been ordered to ascertain the exact reason. Senior railway officials visited the site and assured that all safety protocols would be reviewed.
The Railways announced compensation for the deceased passenger’s family and provided medical assistance and support to affected travellers. Further inquiries are underway.
