INDIA — A tragic train fire claimed the life of one passenger after flames broke out in two coaches of a passenger train near Yalamanchili in Andhra Pradesh, India, in the early hours of December 29, 2025.

Authorities confirmed that the fatality was identified as Chandrasekhar Sundaram, a 70-year-old passenger whose body was discovered inside the B1 coach. According to initial reports, the fire erupted at around 12:45 a.m., while the train was en route to Ernakulam. At the time of the incident, the two affected coaches were carrying a combined total of more than 150 passengers—82 in one coach and 76 in the other—raising concerns over what could have been a far more devastating outcome.

Railway officials acted swiftly by detaching the damaged coaches from the rest of the train to prevent the fire from spreading further. The remaining coaches were allowed to continue their journey, while emergency responders secured the scene and assisted affected passengers.

Two forensic teams have been deployed to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire. While the exact origin remains unknown, authorities are examining possible electrical faults or onboard hazards. Railway officials have also released helpline numbers to provide assistance and information to passengers and their families. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of ensuring passenger safety in long-distance rail travel, particularly during overnight journeys when emergencies can quickly turn deadly. It also raises renewed calls for stricter safety inspections, improved fire detection systems, and faster emergency response mechanisms to prevent similar tragedies in the future. (Larawan: JharkhandRail / X)