Fire Erupts on Garib Rath Train in Punjab, Passengers Escape Unharmed
Garib Rath Express catches fire, passengers evacuated safely.
Fire broke out on the Garib Rath Express traveling from Amritsar to Saharsa, Bihar, engulfing three air-conditioned coaches near Sirhind railway station in Punjab on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at approximately 7:30 AM. Miraculously, no fatalities were reported, though one passenger sustained minor injuries, marking a close call for those onboard.
The incident occurred shortly after the train passed Sirhind station, moving at a reduced speed. Alert passengers noticed smoke emanating from coach G-19 and promptly pulled the emergency chain, bringing the train to a halt. Quick action by railway staff ensured the safe evacuation of passengers from the affected coach, who were swiftly relocated to other parts of the train for their safety. The blaze, which originated in coach G-19, spread to two adjacent coaches, causing significant concern but was eventually contained after a prolonged effort by fire tenders dispatched to the scene.
Civil and police authorities, along with Government Railway Police (GRP) officials, responded rapidly, coordinating rescue and firefighting operations. Ambulances were on standby to provide immediate medical assistance. A 32-year-old woman who suffered minor burn injuries was admitted to the Civil Hospital in Fatehgarh Sahib for treatment and is reported to be stable.
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To prevent further risk, the three affected coaches were decoupled from the rest of the train, allowing firefighters to focus on extinguishing the flames. The train remains stationed near Sirhind as railway authorities conduct thorough safety checks and investigations to determine the cause of the fire, which is yet to be established. Preliminary reports suggest the blaze may have been triggered by an electrical fault, though officials are awaiting a detailed probe to confirm the exact circumstances.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of aging train coaches and the need for enhanced maintenance protocols. Passengers, though shaken, expressed relief at the swift response that prevented a potential tragedy. The Garib Rath Express, known for its affordability and air-conditioned travel, is a vital link for many traveling between Punjab and Bihar, and this incident has underscored the importance of robust safety measures.
Railway officials have assured that alternative arrangements are being made for affected passengers, and the train will resume its journey only after clearance from safety inspections. The event has prompted local authorities to call for a review of fire safety systems across trains operating in the region, with an emphasis on preventing such incidents in the future. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring passenger safety and restoring normalcy to the affected route.
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