Fire breaks out in Garib Rath Express engine at Sendra station; rail traffic disrupted
text_fields
Jaipur: A fire broke out in the engine of the Garib Rath Express at around 3am on Saturday at Sendra railway station in Rajasthan’s Beawar district, triggering panic among passengers. Thanks to the alertness and swift action of the loco pilot, all passengers were safely evacuated and a major tragedy was averted.
Officials said train movement on the affected route remains suspended, with nearby trains halted at other stations as a precaution. It is expected to take several hours before normal operations resume.
According to initial reports, smoke was spotted rising from the engine, prompting passengers to alert the loco pilot, who immediately stopped the train. His prompt response ensured that the fire did not spread to the passenger coaches and no injuries were reported.
Fire brigade teams from Beawar were quickly deployed to the scene and managed to bring the blaze under control. Railway officials and engineering teams also rushed to the site.
Preliminary findings suggest that the fire may have been caused by a technical fault or short circuit in the engine. A detailed inquiry is currently underway to ascertain the exact cause.
A Railway spokesperson confirmed that all passengers were safe and that alternative arrangements were made for their onward journey.
An eyewitness said, “We saw smoke coming out of the engine and informed the driver. He reacted immediately and stopped the train. His presence of mind saved us as it did not allow the fire to spread to the other coaches.”
Authorities have begun removing the damaged engine from the tracks, and a review of maintenance protocols is expected in the aftermath of the incident to prevent similar occurrences in future.