Railways have introduced helpline numbers to offer aid and train status updates after a fire broke out in the Tatanagar-Ernakulam Express at Yelamanchili in Andhra Pradesh. South Central Railway (SCR) has activated helplines at various stations including Yelamanchili, Anakapalli, Tuni, Samalkot, Rajahmundry, Eluru, and Vijayawada for assistance.
A fire incident was reported in the Tatanagar-Ernakulam Express at Yelamanchili Railway Station around 12:45 a.m. The B1 and M2 coaches were affected by the fire, prompting immediate action by railway staff and the Fire Brigade. The damaged coaches were detached, and precautionary measures were taken by removing an additional AC III Tier Coach (M1).
The train formation, excluding the affected coaches, is being shifted to Samalkot Railway Station, with arrangements being made to attach three empty coaches. Passengers from the affected coaches are being transported to Samalkot Railway Station via bus services. Officials including the Commissioner of Railway Safety/SCR, DRM Vijayawada, and senior officers are on-site, with the General Manager of South Central Railway also en route.
A forensic team and medical team are being dispatched to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire and determine any casualties. Local authorities are collaborating with railway officials to ensure all necessary precautions are taken. Sadly, the body of a passenger, identified as Chandrsekhar Sundaram, was discovered in one of the damaged coaches. The coaches had 82 and 75 passengers respectively at the time of the incident.
