Amritsar Saharsa Garib Rath Express fire | A fire broke out in one of the air-conditioned coaches of the Amritsar-Saharsa Garib Rath Express on Saturday morning near Sirhind railway station in Punjab, prompting a swift emergency evacuation.
The incident occurred around 7:30 AM while the train (No. 12204) was en route from Amritsar. Railway officials said the cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
A Government Railway Police (GRP) official said that smoke was first detected in coach G-19. A passenger quickly pulled the alarm chain, bringing the train to a halt. All passengers in the affected coach were safely evacuated, preventing a major tragedy.
The fire spread rapidly through coach G-19, causing minor damage to two adjacent coaches. Three affected coaches were immediately detached from the rest of the train to contain the blaze. Fire engines were dispatched to the site.
“Thanks to the quick response of the passengers and railway staff, everyone was evacuated safely,” a GRP official at Sirhind said.
The fire spread rapidly through coach G-19, causing minor damage to two adjacent coaches. (Theorist photo)
Officials confirmed that one person sustained injuries during the incident. Rattan Lal, Station House Officer of GRP Sirhind, identified the injured as a 32-year-old woman, who suffered minor burn injuries.
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She was rushed to Civil Hospital in Fatehgarh Sahib for treatment. Her condition is said to be stable.
Train service to resume soon
Railway authorities quickly relocated the passengers from the affected section to other coaches. The Amritsar-Saharsa Garib Rath Express is expected to resume its journey shortly, the Railway Board said in a statement.
An investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the fire. So far, no foul play is suspected, officials added.
