Fire breaks out on Thiruvananthapuram–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express near Ratlam, passengers evacuated

BHOPAL: A fire broke out in an AC coach of the Thiruvananthapuram-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam district early Sunday, railway officials said. No casualties were reported in the incident that occurred around 5.15 am in the Kota division of the railways. The fire erupted in the B-1 coach carrying 68 passengers, prompting emergency measures, senior railways commercial manager Sourbah Jain said.“This morning at 5.15 AM, a fire incident was reported in Train No. 12431, the Rajdhani Express travelling from Thiruvananthapuram to Nizamuddin, specifically in the rear SLR and B1 coach of the Kota division. Upon noticing the fire, railway staff promptly evacuated all passengers, separated the affected coach from the rest of the train, and informed the fire brigade, state administration, and railway authorities. Immediate action ensured the safety of all passengers,” Jain said.“The fire has been almost completely controlled. Three fire brigade units, ambulances, and civil administration are on-site, working collaboratively. Railway officials have arrived, and additional coaches are being arranged from Kota. The remaining portion of the train is expected to depart within 30 to 45 minutes, after which track restoration will begin. This incident has caused some regulation of trains in both directions, affecting approximately 5 to 6 trains. Passengers are advised to contact the railway website or helpline at 139 for any information,” he added. The affected coach was detached from the rake, and the overhead electric supply (OHE) was immediately switched off as a safety precaution. “All the passengers were deboarded from the train. None of the passengers sustained injuries,” said Kota railway PRO Ravindera Lakhara. The railways said arrangements had been made to accommodate the passengers in other coaches for the journey up to Kota. An additional coach will be attached at Kota station to restore full capacity. The cause of the fire is under investigation, the railways said.(With Agency Inputs)