August 26, 2023: At least ten pilgrims who were travelling from Uttar Pradesh have lost their lives and over 20 persons have been critically injured after a fire broke out at a coach of a train near the Madurai Railway Station on Saturday morning.

According to Southern Railway, a "private party coach" was attached to the Punalur-Madurai Express at Nagercoil Junction on August 25. The fire was triggered by an illegally smuggled gas cylinder.

The incident happened when the pilgrims tried to make coffee and tried to light the gas stove in the wee hours of Saturday morning, following which the cylinder got blasted. Later, the coach was detached and kept at the Madurai Stabling line.

The Madurai District Collector informed that a total of 55 people have been rescued till now.

An ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh has been announced for the kin of the deceased, Southern Railway announced today.