Railways confirms 32 death in Gautami Express fire

New Delhi, Aug 1 (UNI) A total of 32 people were killed and eight injured in the Kakinada down Gautami Express fire accident near Kesamudram in Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh early this morning, official sources in the Railway Headquarters confirmed here today.

Five coaches, S-9, S-10, S-11, S-12 and S-13, were destroyed when a fire had broken out in S-10 at around 0110 hrs in the 2738 Dn Gautami Express between Kesamudram and Tadalapusalapalli stations.

Immediately rushing medical and other relief to the accident site, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad announced Rs five lakh ex gratia for each of the next of kin of those killed and Rs one lakh to those grievously injured, while ordering a statutory inquiry into the incident.

He also announced that one member of the family of the deceased would be given a job in the Railways.

Meanwhile, the Railways set up special telephone lines at Secunderabad (09701371062,09247028390), Kakinada (0844-2387220) and Vijaywada (0866-3068941) to provide information to the relatives of the passengers of the train.

UNI KAS RL MIR KP1957