A short circuit could have caused the fire in the air conditioner coach of Bangalore-Nanded Express that has left 23 people dead, railway minister Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday said, citing preliminary reports.
Kharge, who has ordered an inquiry into the mishap, said 23 passengers were confirmed dead and four others injured.
The Air Conditioner coach had 67 passengers on board, of which 23 were trapped in the fire while others managed to alight as the attendant noticed smoke and the train was stopped, he told PTI.
Quoting preliminary reports from railway officials present at the spot, Kharge said, “Short circuit could have caused the fire” but the inquiry would reveal the exact cause.
He said an inquiry would be conducted by a panel which would also have other senior officials including Member (Electrical).
Kharge said a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each would be given to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs one lakh to the grievously injured and Rs 50,000 to others injured.
Medical expenses would be borne by the Railways.
He said the bodies would be brought to Bangalore.
The train had left Bangalore at 10:45 PM last night with a composition of 16 coaches, out of which 1 AC-3 Tier Coach (B-1), fourth from the engine, caught fire near Sri Sathyasai Prashanthinilayam around 3.45 am, South Western Railway said.
The affected coach was carrying 65 passengers, it said.
Eight injured passengers were taken for medical treatment, of which three have been discharged and five have been admitted to Anantpur Hospital, it said in a statement.
According to railway officials, the bodies of passengers are being shifted from the accident spot to Victoria Hospital in Bangalore.
Kharge has instructed railway officials to provide best treatment for the affected passengers, the statement said.
As per the directions of the railway minister, the officers of Railway Board, Member Electrical, Kul Bhushan, and director general, health are rushing to the accident spot from Delhi.
The Railways have requested relatives not to go to the accident site and instead come to Victoria Hospital for identification of bodies.