Train fire in Andhra Pradesh, death toll continues to rise

The S-11 compartment of the passenger train from Delhi to Chennai caught fire at 4.30am (IST) on Monday. The train was stopped and the coach was detached from the rest of the train to prevent the blaze from spreading.

Some panicked passengers jumped out of the train to escape the fire. They are now in hospital being treated for severe injuries.

While the cause of the blaze is still unknown, India’s Railways Minister Mukul Roy said sabotage could not be ruled out. Some authorities have suspected an electrical short circuit.

The railway ministry has confirmed that the relatives and families of the deceased will be entitled to a compensation of 5 lakh of rupees (£5,700).