Fire Breaks Out in AC Coaches Early Morning
Early Monday, a Tata-Ernakulam Express fire erupted in two air-conditioned bogies in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district, leaving one passenger dead. The train, traveling from Tatanagar to Ernakulam via Visakhapatnam, had just crossed Duvvada around 1:30 am when flames appeared in the B1 and M2 AC coaches near the pantry car. Loco pilots spotted the blaze near Yelamanchili railway point and immediately halted the train. Consequently, passengers evacuated quickly, although thick smoke reduced visibility and caused panic. The Tata-Ernakulam Express fire raised concerns about safety measures on long-distance trains.
Casualty and Passenger Evacuation
Authorities confirmed that 70-year-old Chandrasekhar Sundar from Vijayawada died after getting trapped in the B1 AC coach. Fortunately, most passengers escaped safely. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as travelers rushed onto platforms. Meanwhile, firefighters from Anakapalli, Elamanchili, and Nakkapalli worked for several hours to control the Tata-Ernakulam Express fire. Despite their efforts, the blaze destroyed all belongings in the two affected coaches, causing significant losses for passengers.
Train Delays and Relocation of Passengers
The Tata-Ernakulam Express fire delayed the train by nearly four hours. Railway officials removed the burnt coaches and relocated passengers to remaining compartments. Additionally, APSRTC buses transported affected travelers to Samarlakota, where railway staff attached replacement AC coaches. As a result, the train resumed its journey to Ernakulam. However, rail traffic on the Visakhapatnam–Vijayawada route temporarily stopped, delaying several other trains. Authorities advised passengers to check train schedules due to the disruption caused by the Tata-Ernakulam Express blaze.
Investigation and Safety Measures
Railway officials suspect that overheating brakes in the B1 AC coach triggered the Tata-Ernakulam Express fire. Therefore, senior authorities launched a detailed inquiry to confirm the cause and identify safety lapses. Ambulances remained on standby, and officials assured passengers that all necessary safety measures were in place. Finally, the railway emphasized that it will take proactive steps to restore normal operations and prevent similar incidents in the future. Investigators will also review emergency response procedures following the Tata-Ernakulam Express blaze.
