A tragic fire on a major express train in Andhra Pradesh has resulted in one fatality, disrupting services and prompting a detailed investigation. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, casting a shadow over railway safety protocols.
Midnight Blaze on Moving Express
The Tatanagar-Ernakulam Express became the scene of a devastating fire as it passed through Yalamanchili, approximately 66 kilometers from Visakhapatnam. Authorities received an alert about the emergency at 12:45 am on Monday, December 29, 2025. The flames engulfed two passenger coaches, carrying a significant number of people at the time.
According to a senior police official, one of the affected coaches, designated B1, had 82 passengers on board, while the other contained 76 travelers. The rapid spread of the fire created a situation of panic and chaos within the confined spaces of the train compartments.
Casualty and Response
Tragically, the fire claimed one life. The deceased passenger was identified as Chandrsekhar Sundaram, whose body was recovered from the B1 coach after the flames were extinguished. The exact circumstances leading to his death are part of the ongoing probe.
In a swift operational move to minimize further disruption, railway staff detached the two charred coaches from the rest of the train. The main section of the Tatanagar-Ernakulam Express then proceeded on its journey towards its final destination, Ernakulam. Officials assured that arrangements were being made to transport the affected passengers from the damaged coaches to their intended stops using alternate means.
Forensic Probe into the Cause
The origin of the sudden fire remains unclear and is the central focus of the investigation. Two specialized forensic teams have been deployed to the accident site at Yalamanchili to conduct a meticulous examination. Their objective is to collect evidence and determine the precise cause that led to the deadly blaze.
Police officials have stated that the forensic analysis will be crucial in understanding whether the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit, a mechanical failure, or the carriage of prohibited flammable materials by a passenger. The findings are expected to inform future safety measures on India's vast railway network.
This incident has once again brought the critical issue of passenger safety on long-distance trains into sharp focus, highlighting the need for constant vigilance and upgraded fire suppression systems in coaches.
