Sasaram: Panic gripped passengers at Sasaram Railway Station in Bihar on Monday after a fire broke out in a coach of the Sasaram-Patna fast passenger train shortly before its scheduled departure.
The incident occurred while the train was stationed at platform number six, prompting railway officials, emergency personnel and firefighters to rush to the spot to contain the blaze.
According to preliminary reports, the fire is suspected to have been caused by a short circuit inside one of the coaches.
Thick smoke triggers panic at station
Eyewitnesses at the station reported seeing thick black smoke rising from the affected coach as passengers hurried away from the platform area.
Visuals circulating online showed firefighters attempting to douse the flames while railway staff worked to secure nearby coaches and prevent the situation from worsening.
Officials said the burning coach was quickly detached from the rest of the train as a precautionary measure to stop the fire from spreading to adjacent compartments.
The flames also reportedly spread to nearby trees close to the railway tracks, adding to the tension at the station.
Passengers waiting on the platform were evacuated to safer areas while emergency response operations continued.
No casualties reported
Railway authorities confirmed that no injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.
Officials said the timely response by railway staff and fire services helped prevent a major accident.
The fire was eventually brought under control after sustained efforts by firefighting teams stationed at the railway premises and nearby emergency units.
Authorities are currently assessing the extent of damage caused to the coach and surrounding railway infrastructure.
Railway officials begin investigation
Senior railway officials have launched an inquiry into the cause of the fire.
Initial assessments suggest that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the blaze, though officials stated that the exact cause would be determined only after a detailed technical inspection.
Railway engineers and safety personnel are expected to inspect the damaged coach and examine electrical systems connected to the rake.
The incident also temporarily disrupted train operations at the station as authorities cleared the affected area and ensured passenger safety.
Second major train fire in two days
The Sasaram incident comes just a day after another major fire involving a Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express in Madhya Pradesh.
In that case, an air-conditioned coach reportedly caught fire between Vikramgarh Alot and Luni Richha stations in Ratlam district.
The fire had also spread to an adjoining luggage-cum-guard van, though all passengers were safely evacuated without injuries.
Back-to-back train fire incidents have raised concerns regarding railway safety, maintenance of electrical systems and emergency preparedness on Indian trains.
Safety measures under focus
Railway authorities have repeatedly stressed the importance of regular inspection of electrical fittings, wiring systems and onboard safety equipment to prevent such incidents.
Experts say that quick isolation of affected coaches and timely evacuation are critical in avoiding large-scale accidents during train fires.
Passengers have also been advised to immediately alert railway staff if they notice smoke, sparks or unusual electrical smells inside coaches.
Officials are expected to review safety protocols following the recent incidents and may issue additional instructions regarding fire prevention measures in passenger trains. Further investigation into the Sasaram fire is underway.