Two bogies of Tatanagar-Ernakulam Express train catch fire, 1 dead
Both the bogies, B1 and M2 AC coaches, caught fire when passengers were fast asleep. The fire was noticed by a co-pilots at around 1:30 AM. While other passengers got down, one of them, identified as Chandrashekhar Sundar (70) from Visakhapatnam, was burnt alive in the incident.
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Elamanchili: Two bogies of the Tatanagar-Ernakulam (18189) Express train, which was on its way to Ernakulam, caught fire Elamanchili on early Monday morning. One person died in the incident, while some of the passengers also received minor injuries.
Both the bogies, B1 and M2 AC coaches, caught fire when passengers were fast asleep. The fire was noticed by a co-pilots at around 1:30 AM. While other passengers got down, one of them, identified as Chandrashekhar Sundar (70) from Visakhapatnam, was burnt alive in the incident.
Two bogies are completely burn
Soon after, the fire brigade was informed. However, by the time fire officials arrived, both bogies were completely burnt. The entire station was covered in thick smoke. Fire brigade personnel from Anakapalle, Elamanchili and Nakkapalle reached the spot and tried to control the fire.
Train was passing through Narsingaballi when the accident occurred
As per railway officials, the train arrived at Anakapalle nearly four hours late. It was passing through Narsingaballi when the accident occurred. While the investigation has started, it is believed that into from the B-1 bogie.
After the incident, all trains on the Visakhapatnam-Vijayawada route have been cancelled. Railway officials said that alternative arrangements were made to transport passengers in another train after 3.30 am.
Andhra home minister speaks to officials
After being informed of the incident, Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, spoke to officials on phone and inquired about the incident. While expressing condolences to the family of the deceased, the minister further asked officials to ensure that train services are not disrupted.
Speaking to TV9 Telugu, Ernakulam Express Assistant Loco Pilot Srinivas said, "The train's brakes jammed while approaching Elamanchili railway station. When i immediately went back, I saw that the fire in the bogie. The train had been stopped at Anakapalle before the incident.
"Two coaches have been affected. We are relocating the passengers of those coaches to Anakapalle . We are making alternative arrangements to move everyone to their destinations. We are bringing two corresponding coaches to Anakapalle. Despite the effect, the front portion of the coaches is ready. We will send the train with two additional courts and the rear coaches,” DRM Mohit added.