While most managed to escape safely, Chandrasekhar Sundar (70) from Vijayawada was trapped in the B1 coach and died of burns.
Published Dec 29, 2025 | 9:10 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 29, 2025 | 9:10 AM
Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express on fire.
Synopsis: A 70-year-old passenger lost his life after a fire broke out in two air-conditioned coaches of the Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district. Despite quick action, the fire spread rapidly, completely gutting both coaches before fire services could arrive.
A 70-year-old passenger lost his life after a fire broke out in two air-conditioned coaches of the Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express (18189) near Duvvada in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district early on Monday, 29 December.
The incident occurred around 1.30 am on Monday while the train was travelling from Tatanagar to Ernakulam via Visakhapatnam.
The blaze reportedly began in the B1 and M2 AC coaches, located next to the pantry car. Loco pilots noticed the fire near a railway point close to Elamanchili and immediately halted the train.
Despite quick action, the fire spread rapidly, completely gutting both coaches before fire services could arrive.
As smoke filled the compartments, passengers panicked and rushed out. While most managed to escape safely, Chandrasekhar Sundar (70) from Vijayawada was trapped in the B1 coach and died of burns.
More than 150 passengers were travelling in the two AC coaches. Railway officials later said all other passengers were safe.
Fire crews from Anakapalli, Elamanchili and Nakkapalli battled the flames for hours. Preliminary inputs suggest the fire may have been caused by overheated brakes in the B1 coach. All belongings in the affected coaches were destroyed.
Rail traffic on the Visakhapatnam–Vijayawada section was temporarily disrupted, causing delays to several trains.
Burnt coaches were removed after 3.30 am, passengers were shifted to buses up to Samarlakota, and replacement coaches were later attached. A detailed inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the fire.
In view of the fire incident, the Railways has set up helplines at some stations.
(With inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman.)
