Accident in Andhra Pradesh: Fire breaks out in Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express coaches, one killed in AC coach

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A major rail accident was reported from Andhra Pradesh, where a fire broke out in multiple coaches of the Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express, leading to the death of one passenger. According to officials, the incident occurred near Yalamanchili, where fire engulfed three coaches of the train. One person lost his life in an air-conditioned coach. Two forensic teams are investigating the cause of the fire.

A police officer said they received information about the fire at around 12:45 am. He added that one affected coach had 82 passengers on board, while another had 76. “Sadly, one passenger was found dead in the B-1 AC coach,” the officer said. The deceased has been identified as Chandrashekhar Sundaram.

Officials stated that the fire was first noticed by the loco pilots near Yelamanchili, after which the train was immediately halted. However, before fire services could arrive, the flames spread rapidly and engulfed two AC coaches, B-1 and M-2.

Railway officials said the train reached Anakapalle nearly four hours behind schedule. According to railway sources, sparks and flames were seen after the train departed from Anakapalle near Narasingabilli. Preliminary assessment suggests that overheating of the brakes in the B-1 AC coach may have triggered the fire.