A 70-year-old passenger was charred to death after two coaches of the Ernakulam Express caught fire at Yalamanchili railway station in the early hours of Monday.
According to officials in Vijayawada, the train was en route from Tatanagar to Ernakulam when the loco pilot noticed flames and immediately halted the train at Yalamanchili. The fire reportedly broke out in the B1 coach and quickly spread to B2.
Railway staff swiftly detached the remaining coaches to prevent the blaze from spreading further. Panic-stricken passengers rushed out as soon as the train stopped. Both B1 and B2 coaches were completely gutted.
Four fire tenders were rushed to the spot and managed to douse the flames. Railway authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire.
Home minister V Anita enquired about the incident and directed officials to take immediate and appropriate measures.
Superintendent of Police Tuhin Sinha said all 158 passengers — 82 in one coach and 76 in the other — were safely evacuated.
