Punjab/Alive News: A fire broke out on the Karmabhoomi Express in Punjab on Friday afternoon, spreading to four general coaches and forcing passengers to jump off the train to escape. No injuries have been reported so far.
The incident occurred between Sadhu Garh railway station in Fatehgarh Sahib district and Sarai Banjara railway station in Patiala district. The train was travelling from Amritsar to New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.
Passengers rush to safety
The fire started in a general coach near the engine and quickly spread to three other coaches. Passengers travelling in the affected coaches panicked as flames and smoke spread. When the train came to a halt, several passengers jumped off, while others ran towards nearby fields to escape.
Railway officials, fire department personnel and rescue teams were alerted after the incident was reported.
Short circuit suspected
According to railway authorities, train number 12508, the Karmabhoomi Express, was travelling on its scheduled route when the fire broke out at around 1.15 pm.
The Government Railway Police said a short circuit in a coach fan is suspected to have triggered the fire. The exact cause will be established after an investigation.
Eight trains diverted
The incident disrupted rail traffic on the route. The Ambala Division diverted eight trains to alternative routes to manage the disruption.
Of these, five trains were running in the down direction and three in the up direction. Railway authorities took the step to ensure the movement of other trains while response teams dealt with the fire.
