A major fire incident occurred on the Thiruvananthapuram-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express near the Kota division of Indian Railways on Monday. The blaze erupted in one of the coaches of the train, prompting immediate evacuation of all passengers. According to railway officials, no casualties have been reported so far, and the cause of the fire is being investigated.
Details of the Incident
The fire was first noticed by train staff and passengers around 11:30 PM when smoke began emanating from a coach. The train was quickly brought to a halt, and emergency protocols were activated. Passengers were evacuated to safe locations, and fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the flames. The affected coach was detached from the rest of the train to prevent the fire from spreading.
Passenger Safety and Response
Indian Railways officials confirmed that all passengers are safe and have been provided necessary assistance. Alternate arrangements are being made for their onward journey. Senior railway officials have reached the site to oversee relief operations and ensure that the situation is brought under control. The train, which was en route from Thiruvananthapuram to Hazrat Nizamuddin, will resume its journey after a thorough safety inspection.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. A high-level inquiry has been ordered by the Railway Board to investigate the incident and prevent such occurrences in the future. Preliminary reports suggest a possible electrical short circuit, but nothing has been confirmed. The affected coach will be examined by forensic experts to determine the exact reason behind the fire.
Impact on Rail Services
The incident has caused temporary disruption on the route, with some trains being delayed or diverted. However, railway authorities have assured that normal services will resume shortly. Passengers are advised to check with railway helplines for updates on their schedules. The prompt response by the train crew and railway staff has been widely praised, as it ensured the safety of all onboard without any loss of life.
