Monday tragedy of the Tamil Nadu Express in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh was disastrous for many. Most occupants in the S-11 coach that caught fire had a terrible trauma, while majority of them dead and the rest being treated at hospitals. A special train was organized by the railways for the kin of the victims, from Chennai to Nellore. Most of the bodies were charred beyond recognition. Reports vary about the deaths of the passengers while many claim 30+ dead in the accident. And almost equal number of people injured are being treated in the hospitals of the town. Railways immediately set up help lines across the country.
Tamil Nadu Express from New Delhi to Chennai was involved in a fire accident while the train was leaving Nellore station (Andhra Pradesh). In fact the train was to reach the destination within another two hours, before the fire doused the S-11 coach at around 4.28 am. As the train was passing through the Nellore station, where it had no scheduled stop, fire was first noticed by a deputy station master of the station. He immediately alerted the authorities. The train cruising at a speed of 110 kmph took time to come to a halt and the rescue team was immediately pressed into action.
In the meantime what happened inside the compartment was traumatic.The passengers were in deep slumber when the fire engulfed the compartment after a short circuit near one of its toilet. Most of the windows were closed because of the monsoons and the smoke made many unconscious. The whole compartment was filled with smoke and carbon soot. Many passengers made a mad rush in the dark at the only available exit, the others were jammed or unable to be located in the fog of smoke.
In the process many succumbed and the survivors were frantic. Pathetic situation as the compartment was razed to ashes. Many survivors of the ghastly experience narrated their harrowing experience, quite pathetic. 'It was all over in seconds' recalls a survivor. Seconds that saved them from the evil clutches of death. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
