At least eight people have been killed and 20 others injured after a fire broke out in a tourist train parked on Bodi Lane near Madurai railway station in the early hours of Saturday. The fire broke out in a coach of the train, which was carrying tourists from Madurai to Rameswaram. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
The Southern Railway has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 10 lakh to the family of the deceased, according to PTI. Madurai District Collector MS Sangeetha also informed that 55 people have been rescued.
"Fire reported in private/individual coach at Madurai yard at 5:15 am today in Punalur-Madurai Express. Fire services have arrived and put off the fire and no damage has caused to another coaches. The passengers have allegedly smuggled gas cylinder that caused the fire," said Southern Railway official as quoted by news agency PTI.
Fire personnel arrived at the scene and were able to put out the fire, but not before several people had been killed or injured. The death toll is expected to rise. The injured have been rushed to hospitals in Madurai. The government has announced compensation for the families of the victims.
The fire is a major tragedy and has caused widespread shock and grief. The government has ordered an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. K. Stalin, has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and ordered a probe into the incident. He has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 3 lakh to support the affected families.
"Deeply saddened by the tragic incident near Madurai Railway junction where nine precious lives were lost in a train fire accident. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the deceased. To support the affected families, an ex-gratia of 3 lakh INR will be provided. I have instructed Hon'ble Minister P Moorthy and officials to ensure that the injured receive the highest quality treatment. All measures will be taken to transport the mortal remains of the deceased to their hometowns."
UP CM Yogi Adityanath expresses deep sorrow
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow over the Madurai train accident. He also ordered the state government to provide proper treatment to the injured, many of whom are from Uttar Pradesh.
"The Madurai train accident is very sad and heart breaking. I express my condolences to the families of the deceased and wish speedy recovery to the injured," Adityanath said in a statement.
He directed the Principal Secretary Home to take charge of the situation and coordinate with the local officials and railway officials to arrange proper treatment for the people of Uttar Pradesh.
The UP government has also released a toll-free number, 1070, for people to get information about the accident and the treatment of the injured.
Adityanath also directed the state government to make arrangements for the safe and speedy transportation of the bodies of the deceased to their native places.
The Madurai train accident took place on Saturday morning when the Swarna Jayanti Express derailed near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. The train was carrying over 1,200 passengers, many of whom were from Uttar Pradesh. The cause of the accident is still being investigated.
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