Madurai Train Fire Accident: Railways Announces Ex-Gratia Of Rs 10 lakh For Deceased Pilgrims

The Southern Railway has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the 10 pilgrims who died in a fire that broke out inside a stationary train compartment in Madurai railway station in the early hours of Saturday.

The fire, which is believed to have been caused by a gas cylinder that was illegally taken into the train, broke out at around 5:15 am. The fire quickly spread through the coach, trapping some passengers inside.

The fire was brought under control by the fire department after about two hours, but not before 10 people had died. The other passengers were able to escape the fire.

The Southern Railway has set up two helpline numbers for information related to the fire incident and casualties: 9360552608, 8015681915.

The railway has also said that any individual who books a party coach through the IRCTC portal is not allowed to carry any inflammable material like gas cylinders. The coach is to be used only for transportation purposes.

The Southern Railway has also expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and has assured them of all possible assistance.