Passenger Killed As Fire Breaks Out On Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express In Andhra Pradesh

A tragic fire incident aboard the Tatanagar–Ernakulam Superfast Express claimed the life of a 70-year-old passenger in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district during the early hours of Monday, triggering panic among travellers and disrupting rail movement on the busy route.

The fire erupted shortly after midnight when the train was approaching Yelamanchili Railway Station in the Visakhapatnam region.

Flames were first noticed in two air-conditioned coaches, B1 and M2, located adjacent to the pantry car. Railway staff acted swiftly after being alerted by the loco pilots and passengers, bringing the train to an emergency halt.

Despite immediate action, the blaze spread rapidly, fully gutting both compartments before fire services could bring the situation under control.

Railway and police officials confirmed that all passengers were evacuated safely from the affected coaches.

However, one passenger, identified as Chandrasekhar Sundaram (70) from Vijayawada, was found dead inside the B1 coach. Authorities said he was likely trapped amid heavy smoke and flames.

At the time of the incident, the B1 coach had 82 passengers, while 75 were travelling in the M2 coach. Several passengers lost their belongings in the fire.

Cause Under Investigation

Preliminary findings suggest that overheating of the brakes may have triggered sparks, leading to the fire.

Two forensic teams have been deployed to determine the exact cause. Senior officials from South Central Railway and the Commissioner of Railway Safety visited the site to assess the damage and oversee relief operations.

As a precaution, ambulances and medical teams were stationed at the location.

The damaged coaches were detached, and the train resumed its journey after replacement coaches were arranged at Samalkot station.

Several trains on the route experienced delays, though services not scheduled to halt at Yelamanchili continued as planned.

South Central Railway has activated multiple helpline numbers to assist passengers and provide real-time updates.

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