Jul 30, 2012
In a major train accident 32 people were charred to death and 80 others injured when a fire broke out in a coach of New Delhi-Chennai Tamil Nadu Express.
Jul 30, 2012
In a major train accident 32 people were charred to death and 80 others injured when a fire broke out in a coach of New Delhi-Chennai Tamil Nadu Express.
The accident happened between Arakkonam and Chiteri, about 80 kilometers from Chennai. The Nellore station manager noticed the fire in one of the bogies of the train at 4.15am and alerted officials. Two fire tenders were rushed to the spot immediately to put out the fire and they managed to restrict the blaze to the S-11 compartment, they said
Additional DG railways VSK Kaumudi said that 32 bodies have been recovered and 80 injured passengers have been rushed to hospital so far from the charred S-11 compartment of the train. Officials said that the toll could rise up to 35 as some of the bodies are still to be recovered from the charred S-11 compartment. 14 passengers in the compartment were safe.
More than 100 police officials and firemen are involved in the rescue efforts. Navy personnel and two teams of the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) are also at the site. Eyewitnesses say that the accident occurred at 9:30 pm, adding that three bogies have been derailed. Many passengers are trapped under the debris. Heavy rain and darkness are hampering rescue work.
The railway minister announced an exgratia payment of Rs five lakh each for the next of the kin of those killed in the mishap and said that one dependent from the family of those killed would be provided a job. Also he has announced a payment of Rs one lakh each for those who were grievously injured and Rs 25,000 for those who suffered simple injuries.
The railway ministry has ordered an inquiry by DK Singh, commissioner of railway safety of South-Central Circle to look into the cause of the accident.
Political leaders in Tamil Nadu expressed condolence to the death of 32 persons in a fire accident in the Chennai-bound Tamil Nadu Express from New Delhi.
Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah expressed shock over the incident that occurred at Nellore in Andhra Pradesh.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa expressed grief over the demise of 32 persons for both the dead and injured.
Courtesy: Hindu
