A massive fire suddenly broke out in a coach of an express train while it was in motion, sparking panic and screams among the passengers. The fire started in a general coach, and within moments, flames engulfed the entire compartment. The sight of rising flames and billowing smoke triggered a stampede-like situation among the passengers.
In a desperate bid to save their lives, panicked passengers pulled the emergency chain to halt the train. As the train slowed down, many passengers began jumping out of windows and doors to escape. Several passengers sustained injuries during this process. Fortunately, due to the alertness of the train driver, the train was brought to a stop near a station in time.
The station master and local administration immediately alerted the fire department. Several fire tenders arrived at the scene and managed to bring the fire under control after a strenuous effort. The affected coach was promptly detached from the rest of the train to prevent the fire from spreading to other compartments. Railway officials and locals rushed the injured to a nearby hospital.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was caused by a short circuit or a passenger carrying flammable material inside the coach. A team comprising the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and forensic experts is investigating the exact cause of the fire. Fortunately, there was no loss of life in the incident, though the passengers' belongings were completely reduced to ashes.
The railway administration has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. Alternative arrangements were made to transport the affected passengers to their destinations. Railway officials have appealed to passengers not to carry any flammable or hazardous items during train journeys that could endanger the safety of fellow passengers.