Bhopal/Ratlam, May 17 The swift emergency evacuation carried out in about 15 minutes by Railway Protection Force personnel and railway staff deployed on the train played a key role in safely evacuating all 68 passengers from the B-1 coach of the Rajdhani Express on Sunday.
The incident occurred at 5:30 a.m. Sunday between Luni Richha and Vikramgarh Alot stations under the Kota division of West Central Railway, about 110 kilometers from Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh.
The fire reportedly broke out in the B-1 third AC coach of the train, located near the SLR luggage brake van at the front of the Delhi-bound premium train. Initially, thick smoke was seen emanating from the underside of the coach, and within moments, the fire spread rapidly, engulfing the third AC and adjacent SLR coaches. The high flames were visible from a considerable distance.
Due to the train guard’s presence of mind and prompt action, a major accident was averted. The guard immediately noticed the fire and informed the loco pilot, following which the speeding train was immediately stopped.
Passengers were temporarily relocated to other coaches while railway police and railway employees battled the fire to evacuate passengers safely.
Fire brigade teams and senior railway officials, including the Ratlam Divisional Railway Manager, arrived at the scene and supervised the rescue and relief operations.
For safety reasons, the overhead power supply was shut off, and the two damaged coaches were detached from the train. According to the Senior Divisional Railway Manager, no passengers or railway employees were reported injured in the incident, but rail operations were severely affected.
Several trains on the New Delhi-Mumbai rail line, including the Mumbai Jaipur Superfast Express, were stopped at various stations while the track was later cleared.
Initial reports suggest a short circuit as the cause of the fire. However, senior officials have ordered a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause.
Railway officials said arrangements are being made to add an additional coach at Kota station for the rescued passengers to continue their journey.
