ANDHRA PRADESH: Fire Breaks Out on Tata–Ernakulam Express at Midnight
A devastating fire erupted on the Tatanagar-Ernakulam Express around 1:30 a.m. on December 29, 2025, shortly after the train passed Duvvada in Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam area.
The blaze started near the pantry car and rapidly spread to adjacent air-conditioned coaches B1 and M2.
Loco pilots detected smoke close to Yelamanchili station and halted the train promptly to prevent further escalation.
Passenger Panic and Evacuation
Terrified travelers scrambled from the burning coaches amid thick smoke and chaos, seeking safety on the platform in the chilly night air.
With about 2,000 passengers onboard, many endured hours of uncertainty at the station.
All luggage in the affected sections was lost to the flames, adding to the distress of those involved.
Fire Response Efforts
Fire crews from Anakapalli, Yelamanchili, and Nakkapalli arrived swiftly and battled the inferno for several hours until it was contained.
Senior railway personnel assessed the damage on-site, while ambulances stood ready for any medical needs.
By 3:30 a.m., the charred coaches were detached, allowing the train to resume its route after a four-hour delay at Anakapalli.
Tragic Loss of Life
One passenger perished in the blaze, identified as 70-year-old Chandrasekhar Sundar from Vijayawada, who was found in the B1 coach.
Initial reports suggested brake issues near Narsingaballi may have sparked the fire’s recurrence. Forensic teams are now probing the exact cause to ensure future safety.
Alternative Arrangements for Travelers
Affected passengers were relocated to remaining compartments or transported via three RTC buses to Samarlakota station.
There, two replacement air-conditioned coaches were added before the train continued to Ernakulam.
This quick action helped minimize further inconvenience for the stranded group.
Widespread Rail Disruptions
The accident halted all services on the Visakhapatnam-Vijayawada line temporarily, causing delays for multiple trains.
Some were held at Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, and Tuni stations until clearance. Normal operations resumed gradually, but the event highlighted ongoing concerns in rail infrastructure.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have launched a thorough review, with early findings pointing to possible mechanical failure.
Home Minister V. Anitha directed immediate measures for relief and prevention. Passengers praised the crew’s alertness, which likely averted a larger catastrophe.