A significant fire erupted in four coaches of the Karmabhoomi Express train near Sarai Banjara railway station in Punjab's Patiala district on Friday, November 6. The incident, which triggered panic among passengers, saw an immediate response from railway authorities and fire brigade personnel, leading to the safe evacuation of all individuals on board. Crucially, no casualties have been reported.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
The blaze was first observed in a coach positioned near the engine of the 12508 Karmabhoomi Express, which operates between Amritsar, Punjab, and New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. From its initial point, the fire rapidly spread to three additional coaches. Witnesses reported thick smoke and visible flames emanating from the affected compartments, prompting the train to be stopped and passengers swiftly evacuated.
Northern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay confirmed that the train's inherent safety system was activated, allowing it to halt safely at Sarai Banjara station. "The safety system was activated in time, allowing the train to be stopped safely. Efforts are underway to control the fire," Upadhyay stated.
Investigation Underway
Patiala Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal also acknowledged the district administration's awareness and response to the incident. Preliminary assessments suggest the fire might have originated in the train's pantry area before spreading; however, the precise point of origin has not yet been officially determined.
While a possible short circuit has been cited as a potential cause, the exact reason for the conflagration remains unconfirmed. Railway authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage to the affected coaches. A thorough investigation is expected to establish the definitive cause of the fire and whether any technical malfunction contributed to the incident.
Further details regarding the full impact on train operations and infrastructure are awaited as emergency services continue their work on site.