The emergency unfolded as the GT Express was traversing the Sindhi-Tuljapur section. Smoke and high-reaching flames were spotted billowing from the luggage-cum-parcel coach, prompting an immediate halt. Recognizing the volatility of the situation, railway technicians and security staff initiated a high-stakes decoupling operation. By isolating and detaching the burning coach from the rest of the rake, the crew effectively created a firebreak, ensuring the safety of the hundreds of passengers on board and preventing the fire from engulfing the entire locomotive assembly.
While the physical damage was confined to the single parcel unit, the incident led to a temporary disruption of services along the busy corridor as emergency protocols were activated. Railway authorities and local fire-fighting units worked in tandem to douse the remnants of the fire and clear the tracks for safe passage. Administrative officials have confirmed that no injuries were reported among the passengers or the crew, attributing the successful outcome to the "timely and decisive action" taken by the railway staff during the critical first minutes of the outbreak.
The cause of the fire remains unidentified, though a high-level technical inquiry has been launched to determine whether the ignition resulted from a short circuit, the presence of flammable goods within the parcel van, or external factors. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges facing rail safety and the vital importance of rapid-response training for transit personnel. As investigators comb through the charred remains of the coach for forensic evidence, the focus remains on reinforcing cargo safety standards to prevent similar near-misses on India’s expansive rail network.
About The Author
Comment List