Madurai train fire: 6 out of 9 deceased identified, probe underway

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Information Technology and Digital Services Minister, Palanivel Thiagarajan on Saturday said that six out of nine people who lost their lives in the train accident in Madurai have been identified and a case has been registered in this regard.

Thiagarajan also went to see those who were injured in the train fire and are undergoing treatment. “Nine people died in the train accident. We have identified six of them. A case has been registered in this regard. Illegal LPG was brought on the train. I hope the Railway Department will take steps to prevent such incidents in the future,” he said.

On Saturday morning there was a fire in a ‘private party coach’ attached to the Punalur-Madurai Express and according to officials, the blaze was started after a gas cylinder, which was illegally used by the passengers inside the compartment exploded. Meanwhile, RN Singh, the General Manager of Southern Railway noted that an FIR has been lodged by the Government Railway Police and those who are responsible will be arrested soon.

“FIR has been lodged by Government Railway Police (GRP) under the section of IPC and Railway Act. A police investigation is underway and those who are responsible will be arreste”" he said.

Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh to the kin of those who lost their lives in the train accident in Madurai.

Taking to social media platform ‘X’ CM Stalin wrote, “Deeply saddened by the tragic incident near Madurai Railway junction where nine precious lives were lost in a train fire accident. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the deceased. To support the affected families, an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh will be provided.”

He further said that he has given instructions to the Madurai district collector Sangeetha and P Moorthy, Tamil Nadu Minister of Commercial Taxes, Registration Department to ensure that the injured receive the highest quality treatment at the Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital.

“All measures will be taken to transport the mortal remains of the deceased to their hometowns,” CM Stalin said.

Meanwhile, Southern Railway also announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh will be given to the kin of the deceased while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced Rs 2 lakh as financial help to the families of the deceased. (ANI)

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