RailEnquiry

The fire on Tamil Nadu Express that killed 34 passengers near Nellore on July 30 was caused by fire-crackers, according to officials of the Andhra Pradesh Forensic Science Laboratory here. The officials submitted a comprehensive report to the Government Railway Police here on Wednesday. APFSL director O. Narasimha Murthy told Express that they found out that the major fire broke out from the running train due to burning of crackers that were being carried in coach S-11. ``We collected some samples of fire-cracker chemicals from the illfated train. Examination of the samples revealed that a major burst of crackers caused the mishap. It was also found that the crackers were kept under the seats in the coach.

 But we cannot ascertain how the fire took place initially.

 The pressure on the cracker bags might have ignited the crackers,’’ said Murthy.

 The forensic team led by additional director Venkateswarlu has completed its work and submitted the report to the Government Railway Police as per norms.

 Ever since the fire occurred in the wee hours of July 30, there have been different theories over the cause of fire ranging from sabotage to electric shortcircuit.

 But the forensic probe has ruled out these theories.

 “The presence of chemicals used in fire-crackers could be the reason for the fire to spread fast and the loud sounds heard by some passengers.

 Perhaps, the electric short-circuit might have triggered the fire.

 There could be many reasons for a short-circuit such as charging of a laptop or a mobile from a power point.

 The burning of rexine and synthetic sponge used in the berth cushions could also be a reason for the fast spread of the fire,’’ officials said.