Short-circuit or inflammable material, what caused Andhra train fire?

Bangalore, Dec 28: Railway officials suspect that the

in an air-conditioned coach of Bangalore-Nanded Express in Anantpur district of

which led to the death of 23 persons, including two children, could have caused by a short circuit.

Railway Board Chairman Arunedra Kumar said the reason behind the fire is yet to be confirmed. The presence of inflammable objects in the train was also not ruled out. Kumar, however, believed that the magnitude of the fire indicated more at the presence of inflammable material in the coach.

The extent of the fire indicated more at inflammable material, said an official

Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge described the incident as "tragic" and "most unfortunate"and ordered an inquiry into the incident by the Commissioner of Railway Safety. Kharge announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh in case of grievous injuries and Rs 50,000 for simple injuries.

He also asked senior railway officials like the Member Electrical and Director General Health to rush to the site of the tragedy.

OneIndia News