A potentially disastrous situation unfolded on Friday when a coach of the Amritsar-Saharsa Garib Rath Express train caught fire in Punjab's Gurdaspur district, sending plumes of smoke into the air and creating panic among passengers.
The incident occurred near the Dhariwal railway station, approximately 35 kilometers from Gurdaspur, around 1:30 PM. Alert railway staff and quick-thinking passengers noticed smoke billowing from one of the coaches and immediately raised the alarm.
Swift Evacuation Prevents Tragedy
In a remarkable display of presence of mind, railway authorities and fellow passengers worked together to ensure everyone was safely evacuated from the affected coach. The immediate response prevented what could have been a major tragedy on the tracks.
"All passengers were safely deboarded from the coach immediately after smoke was detected," confirmed a senior railway official. "There have been no reports of any injuries or casualties."
Emergency Response and Investigation
Fire tenders were rushed to the spot and successfully doused the flames before the fire could spread to other coaches. Railway authorities have launched a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Preliminary reports suggest the fire might have originated from an electrical short circuit in the coach. However, officials stated that a comprehensive technical examination would be conducted to ascertain the precise reason behind the incident.
Passenger Accounts and Alternate Arrangements
Passengers described moments of panic as smoke filled the coach. "We suddenly saw smoke coming from one end of the coach," recounted a passenger. "People started shouting and everyone rushed to exit. Thankfully, the train had slowed down and we could evacuate safely."
Railway officials have made alternative travel arrangements for affected passengers. The damaged coach has been detached from the train, and services are expected to resume normally after necessary safety checks.
