Madurai: A devastating train fire at Madurai railway station has left a trail of sorrow as the death toll rises to 10. The tragic incident unfolded when a fire engulfed a stationary compartment, marking a sombre day in the city. Preliminary investigations by railway officials suggest that the fire was ignited by passengers attempting to prepare coffee using a gas cylinder inside the train.
Among the voices offering condolences, President Droupadi Murmu and Home Minister Amit Shah expressed their grief for the victims. President Murmu took to Twitter to share her condolences, stating, “Deeply pained to learn about the tragic loss of lives in a fire accident in a stationary train near Madurai junction, Tamil Nadu. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Deeply pained to learn about the tragic loss of lives in a fire accident in a stationary train near Madurai junction, Tamil Nadu. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 26, 2023
In response to the tragedy, the Southern Railway has pledged support to the affected families. A financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh will be extended to the relatives of the deceased, and an additional Rs 3 lakh has been allocated for those who were injured in the accident.
The ill-fated incident occurred aboard the Lucknow-Rameswaram tourist train during the morning hours. The train, carrying 65 passengers and arriving from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, witnessed a fire breakout in the ‘Private Party Coach.’ Unfortunately, the fire claimed lives, primarily among the passengers from Uttar Pradesh. The rearmost coach of the train was engulfed by the flames.
The aftermath of the tragedy saw charred bodies being recovered from the compartment, with six of the victims identified so far. The list of the deceased includes an 80-year-old woman and her 22-year-old granddaughter.
Investigations into the incident have unearthed that carrying flammable materials like gas cylinders, explosives, and other hazardous substances on a train is a violation under Sections 67, 164, and 165 of the Railways Act, 1989. The law prohibits such items during train journeys, and private tourist parties are mandated to inform the railways in writing about their commitment to avoid transporting dangerous goods.
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