New Delhi, May 21: The Vishakapatnam-bound Andhra Express, travelling from Delhi, caught fire near Birlanagar station in Gwalior. Eight fire tenders have been rushed to the spot to douse the flames. According to reports, the fire broke out in at least four air-conditioned coaches of the train.

No casualties were reported in the mishap. According to news agency ANI, all passengers have been safely evacuated.

The flames erupted in B-6, B-7, B-8 and B-9 coaches of the train. The fire-fighting operation is currently underway.

The train accident comes days after a Mumbai-bound Howrah Mail caught fire near Wardha station in Nagpur on May 7. The assistant loco pilot was killed in the mishap, whereas, the driver sustained burn injuries.

According to a reply issued by the Ministry of Railways in the recently concluded Budget Session, a total of 73 train accidents were reported in 2017-18, mostly accounted by the derailment incidents.

Railway Board Chairman Ashwani Lohani said the figures should be considered as positive as it marks the first occasion in the past 35 years when fewer than 100 train accidents have been recorded in the year.

"We are making sure the Railways turn more safe for the passengers. There is immense emphasis on this," Lohani had said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 21, 2018 01:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).