23 killed as train headed from Bangalore to Nanded catches fire in Andhra Pradesh

    At least 64 persons in the each bogie. Fire broke out in the B1 AC coach of the train  16594th numbered which was headed to Nanded from Bangalore. 

   The cause of the behind fire is not yet known. A forensic team from Hyderabad has left for at the spot to ascertain the cause of the accident and to take DNA samples of the deceased. The train had left Bangalore at December 27, 201310:45 pm. The fire broke out when the train was near the Prasanthi Nilayam ashram in Anantapuram district around 3 am.

   Railways spokesperson CS Gupta said "Most of those who died suffocated in the coaches that were filled with thick black smoke," .  A few people jumped out of the train on hear about  fire.A person who was on-board from the train said that "It happened at 3:15 am. Someone in the corner seat said there was fire. We hurriedly de-boarded all the passengers," . Officials say that blaze has been completely doused but the fog and smoke are hampering rescue work. The cause of the fire has been still not been determined.

    P M Manmohan Singh, expressing shock and grief, has directed the Railways and government authorities to extend all possible help to the victims in rescue and relief operations. A compensation of Five lakh rupees (Rs.5,00,000) for the dead and fifty thousand rupees (Rs.50,000) for the injured has been announced by Railways Minister Mallikarjun Kharge.