Bangalore: In a major train mishap, at least 26 people lost their lives  and 12 others sustained injuries when the Nanded-Bangalore Express caught fire in Ananthapuram district  during the wee hours of December 28, Saturday.

Reportedly the fire broke  out  at around 3 am in the second class air conditioned bogie of the train numbered 16594 which had 72 passengers. The train had left Bangalore at 10.45 pm on Friday.

Few passengers jumped out of the train on noticing the fire. Sources reveal that the reason of the fire may be short-circuit but the exact reason is yet to ascertained. The injured passengers have been rushed to the district hospital.

A compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of the dead and Rs 50,000 for the injured has been announced by Railways Minister M Mallikarjun Kharge.

Helpline numbers:
040-23310680 (Hyderabad)
080-22354108, 22259271 (Bangalore)