Miracle Escape: Fire Engulfs Garib Rath Express Coach, All Passengers Evacuated Safely in Punjab

A morning journey on the Amritsar-Saharsa Garib Rath Express turned into a terrifying ordeal for hundreds of passengers when a fire erupted in one of its coaches. The incident, which occurred near Sirhind railway station in Punjab, sparked panic but fortunately concluded without any casualties, thanks to the swift and efficient evacuation efforts.

Eyewitnesses recounted a scene of sudden alarm as thick smoke began to billow from the S3 coach, identified as a power car or generator car, of the express train.

The train, bearing number 12204, was on its routine journey when the blaze was reported. Initial investigations point towards a suspected short circuit within the power car as the likely cause of the fire, highlighting a critical safety concern within railway operations.

As soon as the fire was detected, the train's crew acted promptly, bringing the train to a halt near Sirhind station.

Passengers, gripped by fear, were quickly and safely de-boarded from the affected coach and adjacent compartments. The sight of the burning coach and the plumes of smoke was captured in harrowing videos that quickly circulated, underscoring the severity of the situation.

Emergency services, including multiple fire tenders, were immediately dispatched to the scene.

Firefighters battled the flames, working diligently to bring the inferno under control and prevent it from spreading to other coaches. Their timely intervention was crucial in mitigating a potentially far more catastrophic outcome.

While the incident caused significant disruption to railway traffic on the busy route, the paramount relief was the news that all passengers and railway staff escaped unharmed.

The collective sigh of relief was palpable, acknowledging the success of the emergency response protocols in averting a tragedy. The damaged coach will undergo thorough inspection and repairs, and a detailed inquiry into the cause of the fire is expected to follow to prevent future occurrences.