Passengers describe deadly India train fire
- 12 years ago
Unaffected coaches that were part of a train that caught fire in southern India arrive in Chennai, in southern Tamil Nadu State.
At least 30 people were killed and dozens were injured on Monday when one of the coaches went up in flames as it passed through Nellore Station.
Here at the station in Chennai, relatives of passengers anxiously wait for news of their loved ones.
Passengers who had travelled in other coaches said firefighters struggled to control the blaze.
(SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) PASSENGER FROM BIHAR, POONAM, SAYING:
"The fire broke out at around four in the morning. As we tried to see from the windows, the flames were rising high from the coach. The coach was burning for one hour and the rescue teams were struggling to extinguish the fire. The fire was brought under control at around 5:30 a.m (0130 GMT). The passengers of the affected coaches were moved to the unaffected portion of the train and then the train left for Chennai."
Indian Railways announced compensation for those affected - the families of deceased passengers are to receive the equivalent of over 9,000 U.S. dollars, while those injured are to be granted nearly 2,000 dollars.
India's rail network is one of the world's largest - but also suffers an alarming safety record.
Some 336 people were killed in rail accidents in India between April 2010 and January 2011, according to government figures.
Travis Brecher, Reuters
At least 30 people were killed and dozens were injured on Monday when one of the coaches went up in flames as it passed through Nellore Station.
Here at the station in Chennai, relatives of passengers anxiously wait for news of their loved ones.
Passengers who had travelled in other coaches said firefighters struggled to control the blaze.
(SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) PASSENGER FROM BIHAR, POONAM, SAYING:
"The fire broke out at around four in the morning. As we tried to see from the windows, the flames were rising high from the coach. The coach was burning for one hour and the rescue teams were struggling to extinguish the fire. The fire was brought under control at around 5:30 a.m (0130 GMT). The passengers of the affected coaches were moved to the unaffected portion of the train and then the train left for Chennai."
Indian Railways announced compensation for those affected - the families of deceased passengers are to receive the equivalent of over 9,000 U.S. dollars, while those injured are to be granted nearly 2,000 dollars.
India's rail network is one of the world's largest - but also suffers an alarming safety record.
Some 336 people were killed in rail accidents in India between April 2010 and January 2011, according to government figures.
Travis Brecher, Reuters