Passenger train catches fire in Bihar; major disaster averted, second train-related accident in nation in last two days

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A passenger train stationed at Sasaram railway station in Bihar caught fire on Monday. The blaze broke out in one of the coaches of the fast passenger train that was scheduled to operate between Sasaram and Patna. Railway authorities said the fire erupted while the train was standing at the platform. This marks the second train-related accident reported in the country within the last two days.

Soon after the fire was detected, fire force personnel and railway officials rushed to the scene and launched operations to bring the flames under control. Their timely intervention helped avert a major disaster. Authorities confirmed that no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident.

Preliminary investigations suggest that a short circuit caused the fire. The second luggage-cum-guard van (SLR), attached just behind the B-1 coach, was completely destroyed in the blaze. The fire also spread to a few trees near the railway tracks.

On Sunday, the Rajdhani Express travelling from Thiruvananthapuram caught fire in Rajasthan’s Ratlam district. One coach was completely burnt, but no casualties were reported. The incident occurred at around 5.15 am.

Meanwhile, to prevent similar incidents in the future, railway authorities have started a nationwide audit of fire safety systems and related equipment in train coaches across the Indian Railways network. Officials said strict measures will be taken to ensure passenger safety during train travel.