Elathur train fire: Loss of three lives due to lapse in rescue operation

KOZHIKODE: It is alleged that three people died in the Elathur train fire incident due to the delay in rescue operation. They jumped from the train fearing the fire. Now it is alleged that their lives could have been saved if an enquiry was conducted soon after reporting the incident.

The bodies were found around 1.30 am at the railway track in Elathur. The incident happened at 9.30 pm and Elathur police and RPF reached the spot soon. But they couldn’t find the bodies. A locopilot of another train noticed the bodies and informed the station. But hours had passed by then.

The initial conclusion is that the cause of death was head injuries and bleeding. They didn’t have burn injuries. More details will be revealed in the post-mortem report. The other two are believed to have jumped onto the track while trying to save the child from the fire. Police are also looking into other possibilities.

Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry and the Railways have sought information from the state on matters including the lapses in rescue operations and security arrangements. The central investigation agencies are also conducting the investigation. The police believe that the attacker boarded the train without taking a ticket. An investigation has been started focusing on the CCTVs of the railway stations.