Title - Ansari condoles loss of lives in Tamil Nadu Express fire accident

Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in fire incident in the Tamil Nadu Express near Nellore. He has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the kin of those who have died in the accident. Ansari also wished speedy recovery to the injured passengers. At 35 passengers were charred to death and 25 others injured when a fire broke in a coach of the Chennai-bound Tamil Nadu Express near Nellore in the wee hours on Monday due to a short circuit. The Railway Ministry has announced an ex-gratia of Rs.5 lakh for each of the families of the deceased and Rs.1 lakh to the seriously injured. Railway Minister Mukul Roy, who expressed deep grief over the loss of innocent lives, has also announced a compensation of Rs.25, 000 to those having simple injuries. The helpline numbers are: Secunderabad: 040-27786723, 27700868; Vijayawada: 0866-2345863, 2345864 and Nellore: 0861-2331477, 2576924; New Delhi: 011-23342954, 23341072, 23341074; Hazrat Nizamuddin: 011-24359748. (ANI)