Tragic Madurai Train Fire Caused by Illegally Smuggled Gas Cylinder: 10 Lives Lost
In a heartbreaking incident near Madurai railway station, a stationary train compartment became the site of a deadly blaze that claimed the lives of at least 10 people and left numerous others injured. The tragedy unfolded early in the morning when a “private party coach” containing 65 passengers, who had traveled from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, fell victim to the flames.
According to information provided by the Southern Railway, the ill-fated journey had begun on August 17 in Lucknow, with the plan to return to Chennai and then journey back to Lucknow. However, fate took a tragic turn when the coach was separated from the train and parked at Madurai Stabling Line.
The cause of this devastating fire has been identified as the improper use of a gas stove. The spark that ignited the blaze occurred when one of the passengers attempted to make coffee using the gas stove. Reports indicate that the passengers had surreptitiously brought along a gas cylinder, which is strictly prohibited due to its potential to cause fires. Passengers are not allowed to carry any items that are flammable, such as gas cylinders, on board.
The Southern Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer, B. Guganesan, conveyed that the fire broke out while the coach was stationary. Some individuals within the private party coach had chosen to use the unauthorized gas cylinder to prepare tea and snacks. Tragically, this reckless act led to the ignition of the fire within the parked coach. Fortunately, a number of passengers managed to exit the coach as soon as they noticed the flames. Some had even disembarked at the platform prior to the coach’s detachment from the train.
The Railways Act of 1989 categorically lists carrying inflammable items as a punishable offense. This includes substances like gas cylinders, explosives, petrol, kerosene, and other materials that can pose a fire hazard. Sections 67, 164, and 165 of the acts emphasize the seriousness of this offense.
The passengers aboard the ill-fated private party coach had, in fact, signed a declaration prior to their journey, pledging not to carry any inflammable materials during their travel. This declaration, in accordance with para 9 of the Railway Manual, underscores the awareness of the dangers associated with carrying such items.
This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations and guidelines, especially within enclosed spaces like trains. The loss of lives and injuries could have been prevented had the passengers refrained from using prohibited items onboard. The Madurai train fire stands as a painful lesson in the potential consequences of neglecting safety rules, causing immeasurable pain to the victims’ families and the entire community.