Andhra Pradesh: Bangalore-Nanded Express catches fire, 23 dead

Hyderabad: At least 23 passengers were feared killed and several others were injured as Nanded-Bangalore Express caught fire in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh early Saturday, officials said.The mishap took place at Kothacheruvu railway station in Anantapur district bordering Karnataka, officials said.The fire broke out in the D1 AC coach and spread to the adjoining coach. Fire engines and ambulances were rushed to the spot.[caption id="attachment_1128055" align="alignright" width="380"] Representational image. Reuters.[/caption]The incident took place early in the morning around 3:15 am.According to witnesses, rescue workers retrieved eight bodies. The injured were shifted to Dharmavaram, Puttaparthi and Anantapur hospitals. As many as 57 passengers were travelling in D1 coach and majority of them were believed to be from Karnataka.Many passengers got down after pulling the chain. Short circuit is believed to have led to the fire.Railway Minister Mallikaarjun Kharge called the incident tragic and unfortunate and expressed his condolences for the family of the bereaved passengers.The helpline numbers are:For Bangalore: 080-22354108, 22259271, 22156554,For Puttaparthi: 08555-280125For Hyderabad: 040- 23310680With inputs from Agencies