Tragic Fire Hits Tatanagar-Ernakulam Express in Andhra Pradesh; One Dead

New Delhi, December 29, 2025: In a harrowing early-morning incident, a major fire broke out on the Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express (Train No. 18189) near Elamanchili in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district. The blaze, which erupted in the early hours of Monday, December 29, 2025, resulted in the death of one elderly passenger and the complete destruction of two air-conditioned coaches.

Incident Overview

The fire was first detected at approximately 12:45 AM as the train was traveling between Duvvada and Elamanchili. The locomotive pilot, noticing flames and thick smoke billowing from the middle of the train, acted swiftly to bring the vehicle to an immediate halt at Elamanchili station.

According to railway officials, the fire originated in the B1 coach and rapidly spread to the adjacent M2 (and reportedly M1/B2) coaches, which were located near the pantry car.

Casualties and Rescue Operations

The victim has been identified as 70-year-old Chandrasekhar Sundaram, a resident of Vijayawada (some reports suggest Visakhapatnam). Officials confirmed that while 157 other passengers from the affected coaches were safely evacuated, Mr. Sundaram was tragically trapped inside the burning B1 coach and succumbed to severe burn injuries.

As the fire spread, panic gripped the passengers, many of whom were asleep when the blaze began. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as travelers rushed onto the platforms in the cold night air. Firefighting teams from Anakapalli, Elamanchili, and Nakkapalli reached the site within an hour, battling the flames for nearly two hours before bringing them under control.

Impact on Rail Services

The incident led to significant disruptions along the Visakhapatnam–Vijayawada route.

• Evacuation: Passengers from the gutted coaches were shifted to Samarlakota via three APSRTC buses.
• Train Delays: Several major trains, including the Puri–Tirupati Express and the Shalimar–Coimbatore Express, were halted or regulated at various stations.
• Coach Replacement: After the burnt coaches were detached, the train proceeded to Anakapalli, where replacement AC coaches were eventually attached to allow the journey to continue.

Investigation and Safety Concerns

Preliminary reports from railway sources suggest the fire may have been caused by brake overheating in the B1 coach, which generated sparks that ignited the compartment. Two forensic teams have been deployed to the site to conduct a thorough investigation and determine the exact cause of the tragedy.

Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V. Anita expressed her condolences to the victim’s family and instructed railway and district authorities to ensure the safety and comfort of the stranded passengers.

Helpline Numbers:

• Elamanchili: 7815909386
• Anakapalle: 7569305669
• Vijayawada: 0866-2575167

This tragedy has once again raised urgent questions regarding fire safety protocols and technical maintenance within the Indian Railways network, especially concerning older rolling stock and high-occupancy AC coaches.