Hyderabad: In Andhra Pradesh 23 people were died and 35 injured as the fire broke-out in Nanded- Bangalore Express train. This incident was at 3.30 am in an A/C compartment of the train. At that time the train was at Kothacheravu railway station which locates between Pennukonda and Dharmavaram stations. Among the 23 died, two were children. There were 64 passengers in the AC bogie when fire broke out. As per reports, the fire was caused by a short circuit.

Senior Railway officials have rushed to the spot to assess the situation while relief and medical team have been asked to provide needful services. According to the Railway sources the incident was occurred when the train just left the station and running at the speed of 20 km/hr. According to eyewitness the bodies of those died by the train fire have been burnt completely and hence they are beyond identification.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed shock and grief over the unfortunate accident. He has also spoken to Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge and inquired about the measures being taken for the rescue and relief operations at the accident site. The Railway Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin who died in the accident and Rs 1 lakh in case of serious injuries. He has also announced a consolation of Rs. 50, 000 to those who have succumbed to simple injuries.