Punjab: Fire engulfs four coaches of Amritsar-bound Karmabhoomi Express, passengers scramble to safety

Four coaches of the Karmabhoomi Express caught fire while the train was moving between Sirhind and Rajpura in India's Punjab on Friday (Nov 06) afternoon, triggering panic among passengers on board.

The train, number 12508, was travelling from Amritsar to New Jalpaiguri. According to the Railway Control Room, information about the fire was received at around 1:10 pm, with flames reported in the fifth coach from the engine. The fire spread rapidly and engulfed four coaches in total.

Heroic act that saved lives

The loco pilot and the train guard acted immediately, applying emergency brakes to halt the train near Sarai Banjara railway station in the Sirhind-Rajpura section. Thick smoke and flames sent passengers scrambling towards safety, with reports of shouting and commotion inside the coaches.

Railway officials, local police and fire brigade teams rushed to the spot after being alerted. Rescue operations were launched to evacuate passengers, while firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control.

An emergency transfer plan was created by the railways to avoid passengers getting stranded on the tracks. Passengers were escorted on foot to a station half a kilometre away to board a substitute train arranged to finish their journey to New Jalpaiguri or any intermediate stations.

What caused the fire?

The cause of the fire has not yet been ascertained. Details on casualties, injuries and the extent of damage to the train are still awaited.
Addressing media personnel at the site, Yashanjit Singh, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM), Ambala Division, said, "This is currently a matter of inquiry. We will have to look into the cause. Our primary concern right now is ensuring that the passengers reach their destinations safely. To that end, we have arranged an alternative train. We have requested the passengers to proceed to a nearby station—about 500 meters away—from where we will ensure they are transported safely to their homes... We have received no information regarding any casualties. Three coaches caught fire; a fourth one was also slightly affected... This train was travelling from Amritsar to New Jalpaiguri; it was an unreserved train. Our main focus right now is ensuring that the passengers reach home safely, and we have made alternative arrangements for that."