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India Train Fire Kills At Least 23

More than two dozen people are dead after a train carrying about 60 passengers caught fire in southern India early Saturday.
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More than two dozen people are dead after a train carrying about 60 passengers caught fire in southern India early Saturday.

"Railway officials say the blaze engulfed a carriage while the train was traveling overnight. It is believed that many victims suffocated as carriages filled with thick black smoke." (Via BBC)

According to officials, the train was headed to Bangalore when one of its compartments burst into flames, charring at least 23 people inside it beyond recognition. (Via ITV)

"Two, three people sitting in the corner seats got off the train and saw flames emerging from one of the carriages. They alerted everyone, and we got down from the train." (Via Euronews)

Police on the scene say many of the deaths were caused by smoke inhalation. Many of the victims were reportedly asleep when the fire broke out. (Via Al Jazeera)

Though the cause of the blaze is still unknown, The New York Times reports India's government has been unable to make necessary repairs to many of the country's trains because of low-cost fares, which are kept low to accommodate the poor.

An investigation into the tragedy is now underway.