The Railway Ministry has ordered a high level inquiry into the Bangalore-Nanded fire accident that claimed 26 lives including two children. Describing the incident as tragic and most unfortunate, Mr. Kharge said an enquiry has been ordered into the incident by Commissioner of Railway Safety.

The Bangalore-Nanded express fire incident occured in Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh during wee hours today. The train was stopped at Puttaparthy station and the burning coaches were delinked.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has expressed shock and grief over the loss of lives in the fire accident. He also spoke to Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge and inquired about the steps being taken for rescue and relief work at the accident site.

The railways has announced an ex-gratia of 5 lakh rupees to the next of kin of the deceased, 1 lakh in case of grievous injuries and 50,000 for simple injuries.

The South Western Railways has set up a help desk in Bangalore that can be reached through phone number 080-22354108, 2259271, 22156554. The Prasanti Nilayam station number is 08555280125.