The site of a deadly train fire in southern India.

One coach of the overnight Tamil Nadu Express from Delhi to Chennai went up in flames in the early hours of Monday morning when passing through Nellore station.

At least 30 people were reported killed and dozens were severely injured -- though authorities feared the death toll could rise.

Local officials said 72 passengers were travelling in the affected coach.

Local media reported that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit, and that most of the passengers were asleep at the time of disaster.

Travis Brecher, Reuters