Punjab: Four coaches of the Amritsar-bound Karmabhoomi Express caught fire near Sarai Banjara railway station on Friday afternoon, triggering panic among passengers.
Northern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Himanshi Shekhar Upadhyay confirmed that no one was injured in the incident. She told ANI that the train stopped safely near Sarai Banjara station after its safety system was activated.
“The fire is being brought under control; senior officials are on-site, and no injuries have been reported,” she said.
Initial investigations by the Railways indicated that a short circuit in one of the coaches may have caused the fire. Reports suggested that the blaze originated in the pantry car.
Passengers reportedly noticed smoke coming from the train and attempted to evacuate as the fire spread to other coaches. Rescue and firefighting operations were underway at the site.
Yashanjit Singh, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of the Ambala Division, said the Railways had launched an inquiry into the incident and arranged alternative transport for passengers.
“This is currently a matter of inquiry. We will have to look into the cause. Our primary concern right now is ensuring that the passengers reach their destinations safely. To that end, we have arranged an alternative train. We have requested the passengers to proceed to a nearby station — about 500 metres away — from where we will ensure they are transported safely to their homes,” he said.
The official also said the Railways had received no information about any casualties.
“We have received no information regarding any casualties. Three coaches caught fire; a fourth one was also slightly affected… This train was travelling from Amritsar to New Jalpaiguri; it was an unreserved train. Our main focus right now is ensuring that the passengers reach home safely, and we have made alternative arrangements for that,” he said.
(This story is developing.)