23 Charred To Death As Fire Breaks Out In Indian Train

New Delhi, Dec 28, IRNA - Twenty-three people, including two children, were killed and 13 injured when a fire swept through an AC coach of the Bangalore-Nanded Express in Anantpur district of Andhra Pradesh state in the wee hours Saturday. The fire broke out at 0330 hours IST in the B1 coach packed with 64 passengers. Rescue operations are underway. 23 persons including two children were charred to death in the accident,, pti reported. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed shock and grief over the loss of lives in the mishap. He also spoke to Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge and inquired about the rescue and relief work being carried out at the accident site. Describing the incident as tragic and most unfortunate, Kharge ordered an inquiry into the incident by Commissioner of Railway Safety. A short circuit could have caused the fire, the minister said, citing preliminary reports./end