Railways set up helplines after fire in Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express near Elamanchili

A fire broke out in two coaches of the Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express near Elamanchili early Monday. Railways safely evacuated passengers, detached affected coaches, arranged buses, launched an inquiry, and set up multiple helplines for assistance

Hyderabad: The Railways set up emergency helplines after a fire broke out in two coaches of Train No. 18189 Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express near Elamanchili Railway Station in Vijayawada Division in the early hours of Monday.

Here are the helpline numbers:

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Elamanchili: 7815909386
Anakapalle: 7569305669
Tuni: 7815909479
Samalkot: 7382629990
Rajahmundry: 088-32420541, 088-32420543
Eluru: 7569305268
Vijayawada: 0866-2575167

The incident occurred around 12.45 am on December 29 while the train was approaching Elamanchili station. Coaches B1 and M2 caught fire, prompting swift action by railway staff, who immediately alerted the fire brigade and assisted passengers in deboarding safely.

Fire tenders reached the spot and extinguished the blaze. The two affected coaches were detached from the rake, along with one additional AC III-tier coach (M1) as a precautionary measure.

The remaining train formation is being moved to Samalkot Railway Station, where three empty coaches are being arranged for attachment. Passengers from the affected coaches are being transported to Samalkot by bus.

Senior railway officials, including the Divisional Railway Manager of Vijayawada Division, rushed to the site. The General Manager of South Central Railway is also proceeding to the spot. Forensic and medical teams have been mobilised to determine the cause of the fire and ascertain whether there were any casualties.

Railway authorities said all necessary precautions are being taken in coordination with the local administration.