Huge fire in 4 coaches of Karmabhoomi Express in Punjab, short circuit suspected

A fire engulfed four coaches of the Karmabhoomi Express near Sarai Banjara in Rajpura on Friday. Details on the cause, casualties, damage and emergency response are awaited.

In Short

• Passengers and railway authorities were left concerned after Friday's incident
• Officials have not yet disclosed what caused the reported blaze
• Information on possible casualties or injuries remains awaited from authorities

A fire broke out in four coaches of the Karmabhoomi Express near Sarai Banjara in Punjab's Rajpura on Friday.

The fire, which reportedly started in the train's pantry, spread to a few adjoining coaches before being brought under control.

No casualties have been reported so far.

Patiala Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal said the administration received information about the fire around 45 minutes before his statement. He said the initial information suggested that the fire had started in the pantry and subsequently spread to a couple of coaches.

According to Aggarwal, a fire alarm went off, alerting passengers and allowing them to evacuate the train. He said there had been no reports of casualties so far and that teams from the district administration had rushed to the spot.

The incident took place near Sarai Banjara, close to Rajpura, while the train was travelling towards Bihar. The fire has since been brought under control.

Senior railway officials are also reaching the spot to assess the situation. The Railways has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident to determine the cause of the fire.

Officials said all possible angles would be investigated as part of the inquiry. Further details about the circumstances that led to the fire and the extent of damage to the coaches are awaited.

The prompt evacuation following the fire alarm helped passengers move out of the train. No injuries or casualties have been reported so far

- Ends