Gautami Express catches fire in Andhra Pradesh
Some coaches of 2738 Dn Gautami Express running from Secunderabad to Kakinada caught fire at 01.10 hrs today while the train was on its run between Kesamudram and Tadalapusalapalli stations falling in the Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh under the Secunderabad Railway division of the South Central Railway. As per the information available at the headquarters thus far, 13 people have died in the accident while 6 people are injured. The prima facie cause is awaited and the Chief Commissioner Railway Safety is on his way to the site to initiate the statutory enquiry into the accident.
The fire reportdly broke out in the sleeper class coache S-10 and spread further to another four coaches namely S-9, S-11, S-12 and S-13. Medical Relief Van along with an Accident Relief Train was immediately rushed to the site along with senior railway officials. The Minister of State for Railways, Shri Naran Bhai J. Rathwa and Member Electrical, Railway Board, Shri Sukhbir Singh have also rushed from Delhi to the accident site.
Rescue and relief operations are in full swing. Unaffected Coaches in the front and rear of the train were separated and cleared to the adjoining stations. Efforts are being made to ferry passengers to the desired destinations.
The injured are being treated in the MGM Hospital, Warangal. Telephonic Help lines have been set up at Secunderabad (09701371062, 09247028390), Kakinada (0844-2387220) and Vijayawada (0866-3068941) for providing further information to the relatives of the passengers.
The Minister of Railways expressed his profound grief at the tragedy and has announced an exgratia amount of Rs. 5 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased along with a job in the railways and Rs. 1 Lakh to the grievously injured.
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