SIRHIND (Punjab): Train services were disrupted on Saturday morning after a fire broke out in a coach of the Amritsar-Saharsa Express near Sirhind station, officials said. The incident led to the separation of the affected coaches and the rescue of passengers, with one passenger sustaining burns.
Fire controlled quickly
According to Vinod Bhatia, Divisional Railway Manager of Northern Railways, the fire was noticed around 7:30 am as the train was crossing Sirhind station.
“The fire and smoke were controlled at the station immediately. Within 15-20 minutes, affected coaches were separated from the rest of the train. Passengers from the affected coaches were rescued cautiously. One passenger suffered 30-40% burns,” Bhatia told ANI.
The Ministry of Railways confirmed the fire was extinguished promptly, and no casualties were reported beyond the injured passenger.
Impact on train operations
The fire caused disruption to 5-6 trains coming from Ferozepur and affected 1-2 other divisions from Ambala, though the line was cleared within 1.5 hours. Bhatia added that the cause of the fire is yet to be determined and will be clarified after forensic analysis.
Railway authorities assured commuters that the affected section is now operational and that services are running normally.
Safety and emergency response
Officials credited the quick response of railway staff in separating the affected coaches and evacuating passengers, preventing further casualties. Emergency measures ensured minimal disruption to the rest of the train network and highlighted the efficiency of fire safety protocols in handling incidents on moving trains.
The injured passenger was reportedly taken for immediate medical attention, with railway officials monitoring their condition closely.
Separate accident in Madhya Pradesh
In a separate incident in Ghatiya, Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh), three youths aged 20-22 years died in a car accident around 12:30 am on Friday, according to BJP MLA Satish Malviya. The accident occurred near Jaithal in the Ghatiya area. Authorities have launched an investigation, and further details are awaited.
Conclusion:
The Amritsar-Saharsa Express fire incident underscores the importance of railway safety measures and rapid emergency response. While no fatalities were reported, the situation serves as a reminder for passengers and authorities to remain vigilant during train travel.