Engine catches fire, passengers safe

Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, Sep 28 (UNI) Hundreds of commuters had a miraculous escape when a fire broke out in the Vijayawada-Narasapuram Passenger Train at Bhimavaram Town Station of the South Central Railway this morning.

According to information at the district headquarters here, the fire broke out in the middle engine at about 0618 hrs this morning on the outskirts of the Bhimavaram Town.

Gateman P P Nageswara Rao at the Undi Road Level Crossing of Bhimavaram Town observed smoke emanating from the train's engine in between the passenger bogies He immediately alerted Bhimaravam Station Master G D Reddy. When the train reached the station, Mr Reddy along with train driver and guard immediately asked the 200-odd commuters to disembark.

Fire Services personnel and Railway Police took about 90 minutes to douse the fire which was reportedly caused by a technical problem.

The loss from the fire is estimated to be Rs 50 lakh according to preliminary reports.

UNI XR-VKR GM LS KN1710