WATCH: Fire breaks out in Bharat Gaurav tourist train near Madurai, leaves 10 dead, several injured

At least eight people have died and several others were left injured after a fire broke out in the Bharat Gaurav tourist train at the Madurai yard in Tamil Nadu. The train, carrying mostly pilgrims, was on its way to Rameswaram from Uttar Pradesh.

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin announces ex-gratia Shortly after the tragic accident came to the fore, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin posted on X (formerly Twitter), announcing an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh to the families of those affected. “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,” he said.

Stalin added, “I have instructed Hon’ble Minister @pmoorthy21 and officials to ensure that the injured receive the highest quality treatment. All measures will be taken to transport the mortal remains of the deceased to their hometowns." What caused the fire? Tamil Nadu Minister P Moorthy said, “We have inspected the accident site. Those injured in the accident are being treated at the Government Hospital.” According to the Southern Railway Authority, the train came to a halt near Madurai railway station when the accident occurred. Preliminary investigation shows that the fire broke out after the pilgrims tried to cook something inside the train using a gas cylinder. MS Sangeetha, Madurai District Collector, said, “This morning when they tried to make coffee & tried to light the gas stove, there was a cylinder blast. 55 people have been rescued & as of now, we have retrieved nine bodies…Rescue operation is underway.”

The fire initially broke out in one of the compartments of the train following which it quickly spread out to the adjacent ones.