Madurai: A tragic incident occurred at Madurai railway station in the hours of Saturday morning, where a fire broke out in a tourist train. According to a news agency, ten people lost their lives in the incident, while twenty others were injured. The fated train was parked near Bodi Lane, close to Madurai railway station, when the unfortunate event took place.
Initial reports suggest that the fire started when a passenger tried to use a gas stove to make coffee. It is believed that the subsequent explosion of the gas cylinder caused the coach to catch fire. The deceased individuals have been moved to Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai, and ongoing rescue operations are underway to assist those affected.
MS Sangeetha, Madurai District Collector, stated, ” this morning at around 5;30 am there was a fire in one of the coaches at Madurai railway station. The coach was occupied by pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh. Unfortunately an explosion occurred due to a gas cylinder blast caused while trying to use a gas stove for making coffee. We have confirmed nine fatalities far.”
B.Guganesan, Chief Public Relations Officer of Southern Railway, provided some insight into the circumstances that might have led up to this incident. He mentioned that the coach involved was actually a party coach attached by the Punalur Madurai Express at Nagercoil Junction on August 25.
The coach in question was unoccupied and stationed at the Madurai Stabling line upon arrival. Guganesan made it clear that the passengers in this coach had illegally brought a gas cylinder on board, which ultimately led to the tragic fire.