The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Experts yet to pinpoint source of fire

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Sunday, Aug 03, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Experts yet to pinpoint source of fire

Marri Ramu

Forensic officials say that the blaze originated from S-10 coach

Experts believe fire originated between fourth and fifth bays of S-10 coach
Railway authorities say short circuit, hot axle did not lead to fire

HYDERABAD: Two days after fire in Gautami Express killed 31 passengers, investigators are not sure about its source but believe fire surely originated between fourth and fifth bays of S-10 compartment.

Each compartment comprised nine bays. Blackening of these two bays containing sixteen berths and the space between them prompted the forensic experts to draw the inference. Blackening occurs due to high intensity of burning. A team of experts from A.P. Forensic Science Laboratory that had been camping in Warangal for past two days told The Hindu on Saturday that sabotage was almost ruled out.

Wind factor

They confirmed fire had begun in S-10 compartment since it was completely burnt. The wind velocity naturally would be higher against the direction in which the train moves. As the train headed towards Kesamudram, flames spread to compartments on the rear side of the S10 coach because of the wind. “That is why flames soon engulfed rear compartment nos. 11, 12 and 13 resulting in severe damage.”

Though fire spread to S9 coach also, its intensity was slightly less because of this factor. The stop time indicated by two burnt wrist watches found in one of the compartments suggested that fire broke out before 12.30 a.m. Forensic scientists, however, could not ascertain how the fire started. They discounted to the theory of hot axle – phenomenon of the ball bearings in the axle box getting heated and eventually sparks flying from it igniting fire.

No traces of any chemicals were found on any burnt compartment. They are exploring possibilities of a passenger carrying inflammable oil or liquid. Generally, passengers keep the bags closer to them before sleeping. Somehow, sparks might have fallen on the baggage and soon the blaze spread to the berths with rexin covers, the experts surmise.

The findings of railway authorities that short circuit or hot axle did not lead to fire added strength to the theory. Samples of the material found in the burnt compartments are being sent to A.P.F.S.L. for further analysis.

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