Tragedy struck a pilgrimage tour as a private train coach carrying tourists from Uttar Pradesh caught fire in the railway yard of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, leaving at least nine dead and 11 others with burn injuries. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday when an illegally stowed LPG cylinder exploded, engulfing the coach in flames.
The ill-fated group of 63 tourists from Lucknow, on a spiritual journey through South India, had recently returned to Madurai via the Punalur-Madurai express. The fire, which began around 5 a.m., raged for two hours before being brought under control at 7:15 a.m. The victims were part of a larger group that had visited Nagercoil and Kanyakumari before the tragic incident disrupted their journey.
Authorities from the Southern Railway revealed that the explosion resulted from an LPG cylinder, strictly prohibited within the coach. “Despite the prohibition, the group managed to bring the cylinder on board and was reportedly using it for cooking when the explosion occurred,” an official stated.
Praveen Gupta, a survivor and member of the group, recounted the harrowing experience. “There was a sudden explosion. Before we could comprehend the situation, the fire consumed the entire coach. Despite our efforts, we were unable to save some of our fellow travelers. It’s a sorrowful end to our pilgrimage,” Gupta said.
Both the Divisional Railway Manager and Additional Divisional Railway Manager were promptly dispatched to the scene, while the General Manager of Southern Railway and other high-ranking officials hurried from Chennai to oversee the situation. The Indian Railways promptly announced an ex gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakhs to the families of the deceased.
Expressing his condolences, Chief Minister M K Stalin conveyed his deep sorrow and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 3 lakh to the victims’ families. He also directed ministers and officials to ensure the best possible care for the injured. The government pledged to arrange for the transportation of the deceased to their hometowns.
Southern Railway officials underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that the passengers had flouted regulations by smuggling the gas cylinder onto the coach. The railway authorities clarified that party coaches, which can be booked through the IRCTC portal, are strictly prohibited from carrying inflammable materials.
“The coach is intended solely for transportation purposes, and carrying items like gas cylinders, explosives, and other inflammable materials is a punishable offense under sections 67, 164, and 165 of the Railways Act of 1989,” an official statement noted.
In accordance with railway regulations, private tourist parties are required to submit a written declaration committing to not carry any inflammable materials during their journey. Astonishingly, the private party involved in the tragic incident had also submitted such a declaration, highlighting the regrettable breach of protocol.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
