GT Express Coach Fire: 10 Divyangjan Passengers Escape Unharmed Near Wardha
In a harrowing incident on Tuesday morning, at least ten passengers traveling in the specially designated compartment for divyangjan (physically challenged individuals) aboard the New Delhi-Chennai Grand Trunk (GT) Express (train number 12616) had a miraculous escape. Thick smoke and intense flames were spotted billowing from the train's last coach, which also houses the guard's cabin and parcel rake, near Sindi Railway station in Wardha district.
Emergency Response Averts Potential Catastrophe
Alarmed travelers promptly pulled the emergency chain, bringing the express train to an abrupt halt and preventing what could have escalated into a major tragedy. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident. The smoke was first detected in the last SLR (Second Class Luggage & Guard's) parcel coach between Sindi Railway and Tuljapur stations on the Nagpur-Sevagram route at approximately 11:45 AM.
As soon as the train stopped, guard DR Meena conducted a thorough inspection of the rake. The burning coach was swiftly detached and moved to a safer distance to prevent the fire from spreading to the rest of the train, showcasing quick thinking and effective crisis management.
Multi-Agency Firefighting and Rescue Operations
Fire brigades from Sindi, Selu, and Hinganghat rushed to the spot, with the Sindi team arriving first on the scene. With assistance from dedicated railway staff, the blaze was brought under control within about an hour. However, all parcel goods stored in the coach were completely gutted, and several packages sustained severe damage.
Police teams led by PSI Yashwant Kadam from Dahegaon (Gosavi) police station reached the location promptly. Additional support came from police units in Sindi and Selu, who joined the coordinated rescue efforts. All passengers were safely evacuated from the affected areas.
Senior Officials Visit Scene, Confirm No Loss of Life
Superintendent of Police Saurabh Kumar Agrawal, along with other senior railway and police officials, visited the scene to assess the situation. Wardha District Collector Vanmathi C confirmed that teams from the police, revenue, and health departments, including doctors and ambulances, were immediately dispatched after the train fire was reported near Helodi village, located approximately 4-5 kilometers from Sindi Railway station.
She emphatically stated that there was no loss of life in the incident, providing much-needed reassurance to concerned families and the public.
SP Agrawal elaborated, "Information about the fire in a railway coach near Sindi Railway station was received on Dial 112. Additional police teams, along with Additional Superintendent of Police Sadashiv Waghmare, were sent to the spot. Some passengers were evacuated as part of our swift response."
Train Services Resume, Investigation Underway
Central Railway officials confirmed that the GT Express resumed its journey after the affected coach was removed. Services on the Nagpur-Sevagram section experienced brief disruptions but returned to normal operations around 1:30 PM.
Speaking to the media, CR Divisional Railway Manager Vinayak Garg revealed that forensic experts have been called in, and a committee of officers has been constituted to ascertain the precise cause of the incident. "The fire was detected at 11:30 AM, and the affected SLR coach was detached within 10 minutes at Sindi Railway station. By 12 noon, the fire brigade had reached the spot. Experts from Wardha and Nagpur are examining the coach, which will now be moved to Ajni for further investigation," he stated.
Garg added that the train had originated from Delhi, with Ballarshah scheduled as its first halt for parcel delivery. "Prima facie, it appears to be an accident, not arson. A detailed report is expected in two to three days," he concluded.
Commercial Manager Provides Additional Details
Central Railway's Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM) Aman Mittal confirmed that smoke was first detected in the last SLR parcel-carrying coach of the train, which subsequently caught fire. "The affected coach was immediately detached, and the train continued on its scheduled route. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew," he emphasized.
Mittal further noted that a state forensic team has reached the spot to investigate the cause of the fire. While the exact extent of the damage is still being assessed, he confirmed that several parcels stored in the coach were severely damaged, highlighting the material losses incurred despite the successful evacuation.
This incident underscores the critical importance of emergency preparedness and rapid response mechanisms in ensuring passenger safety on India's vast railway network.
