Narrow escape for 120 tourists as Andhra boat catches fire
Vijayawada, May 11: At least 120 tourists had a narrow escape when a boat caught fire on the Godavari river in Andhra Pradesh's East Godavari district on Friday, police said.
The incident occurred when the tourists were on a boat ride to Papikondalu, known for its wildlife sanctuary and hills.
Some of the tourists were injured as they jumped to safety after the driver brought the boat to the shore. A few tourists became unconscious due to the shock, police said.
The fire broke out when tea was being prepared on a gas stove. The gas leak apparently caused the fire, spreading panic among the tourists including women and children.
Survivors said the gas cylinder then exploded, making the fire spread. Showing presence of mind, the driver wheeled the boat towards the shore. The passengers managed to escape but the entire boat was gutted.
Locals and the police in Veeravarapu Lanka village helped the shocked tourists. The fire broke out 10 minutes after the boat sailed from Poshammagudi.
Andhra Pradesh tourism department officials said the boat belonged to a private operator. They have ordered an investigation if it was being operated with the permission of the authorities concerned.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed the East Godavari district collector to provide all necessary assistance to the tourists.
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BMRCL extends metro train timings for New Year's Eve
Bengaluru, Dec 27: The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Friday announced extension of metro train timings on the Purple and Green Lines for the New Year's Eve, 2025.
The last train will depart from all terminal stations at 2 AM on January 1, 2025, while the final train from Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Metro Station (Majestic) will leave at 2:40 AM, it said.
In a statement, the BMRCL said, "Trains will operate at 10 minute intervals from 11 PM of December 31, 2024 up to the extended service period of the day. However, in view of anticipated congregation of crowd on MG Road, MG Road Metro Station will be closed for entry and exit from 11 PM on December 31, 2024. Trains will halt at nearby stations — Trinity and Cubbon Park for use by the commuters."
Passengers traveling after 11 PM from Trinity or Cubbon Park Metro Stations to any destination have been advised to use a return journey paper ticket priced at Rs 50.
"This paper ticket will be available for purchase in advance at all metro stations from 8 AM of 31st December 2024. Normal QR code tickets and cards are also valid for travel from these stations," it stated.
To avoid overcrowding at any particular station, the BMRCL has advised commuters that those heading towards Whitefield and Silk Institute shall use Trinity Metro Station for boarding, while passengers traveling towards Challaghatta and Madavara shall use the Cubbon Park Metro Station.
ಹೊಸವರ್ಷದ ಸಂಭ್ರಮಾಚರಣೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಪಾಲ್ಗೊಳ್ಳುವವರ ಅನುಕೂಲಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ನಮ್ಮ ಮೆಟ್ರೋ ತನ್ನ ಸೇವಾ ಅವಧಿಯನ್ನು ವಿಸ್ತರಿಸಿದ್ದು, ನೇರಳೆ ಮತ್ತು ಹಸಿರು ಮಾರ್ಗಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಕೊನೆಯ ರೈಲು ಜನವರಿ 1, 2025ರಂದು ಮುಂಜಾನೆ 2 ಗಂಟೆಗೆ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಟರ್ಮಿನಲ್ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣಗಳಿಂದ ಹೊರಡಲಿದೆ. ಮೆಜೆಸ್ಟಿಕ್ ನಿಂದ ಕೊನೆಯ ರೈಲು ಎಲ್ಲಾ ನಾಲ್ಕು ದಿಕ್ಕುಗಳಿಗೆ ಮುಂಜಾನೆ… pic.twitter.com/bPJslhTIze
— ನಮ್ಮ ಮೆಟ್ರೋ (@OfficialBMRCL) December 27, 2024
