32 people perish in Andhra train blaze

HYDERABAD:: At least 32 passengers were charred to death and six injured when the Secunderabad-Kakinada Gautami Express caught fire in Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh early on Friday morning.

The fire broke out in the S-9 coach at 1.15 am near Kesamudram Railway Station, about 200 km from Hyderabad, and soon spread to four other bogies, South Central Railways chief PRO P Krishnaiah said.

The tragedy struck when passengers were fast asleep, making it impossible for many to escape the blaze.

With the train moving at 100 km/hour, the fire spread rapidly. Such was its impact that the bodies of some passengers were charred beyond recognition. Some other passengers died due to suffocation.

While railway officials were tight-lipped about the toll, Warangal district superintendent of police VC Sajjanar said at least 20 passengers had perished.

The dead included a pregnant woman and three physically-challenged persons.
According to preliminary investigation, an electric short-circuit could have led to the fire.
Railway minister Lalu Prasad announced Rs5 lakh and a job to the next kin of each victim. Those seriously injured will get Rs1 lakh each. Chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy also announced Rs1 lakh each to the kin of those killed.

The injured have been admitted  to MGM Government Hospital in Warangal.