Garib Rath Express (12204) going from Amritsar to Saharsa caught fire near Sirhind station on Saturday morning. As soon as smoke rose from AC coach number 19 of the train, the passengers pulled the emergency chain and the train was stopped.
There was no loss of life, all passengers are safe.
🔹How did the incident happen?
At around 7 am, when the train had moved half a kilometer from Sirhind railway station, a passenger saw smoke coming out of the bogie. He immediately shouted and alerted everyone and pulled the emergency chain.
Within a few minutes, flames started rising along with smoke. The passengers jumped down in panic, some suffered minor injuries, while some left their luggage in the burning bogie.
🔹 Immediate action: Readiness of loco pilot and relief team
The loco pilot immediately stopped the train by applying emergency brakes.
As soon as the information was received, teams of Railways, Police and Fire Brigade reached the spot and after about an hour of hard work the fire was brought under control.
The rescue team separated bogie number 19 from the rest of the train, although by then the fire had spread to the nearby bogie number 18.
🔹 Railway statement
Railway officials said that –
“The fire was reported at 7:30 am. All passengers were immediately evacuated to safety. There is no loss of life, and the fire extinguishing operation has been completed.”
After the investigation was completed, the train was sent ahead.
🔹What did the eyewitness say?
Ludhiana resident Mukesh Gautam, who was traveling in bogie number 18, said –
“There was a lot of smoke, passengers started running away in fear. Thankfully the train stopped on time, otherwise a big accident could have happened.”
🔹What was the cause of the fire?
According to preliminary investigation, the fire occurred due to short circuit.
Ludhiana businessmen and other passengers were traveling in this coach, who were taken out in time.
Railways has issued orders for technical investigation.