A terrifying scene unfolded on Wednesday evening when the engine of the Mumbai Central-Valsad fast passenger train (No. 59023) erupted in flames at Kelve Road station in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, according to Western Railway officials. The dramatic incident, which occurred around 7:56 pm, sent shockwaves through passengers and onlookers, but miraculously, no injuries were reported, and all passengers remained safe.

The train, a vital lifeline connecting Mumbai to southern Gujarat, had departed Mumbai Central on schedule at 6:10 pm. It arrived at Kelve Road station with a slight 17-minute delay. Just as the train began pulling out of the platform, the crew noticed a sudden "flash and flames" emanating from the electric locomotive. Acting swiftly, the loco pilot, assistant pilot, and train manager halted the train and sprang into action, grabbing onboard fire extinguishers to combat the blaze.

Stationmaster Aditya Kumar, along with pointsmen Som Prakash and Radheshyam, displayed remarkable bravery, joining the crew in their efforts to douse the flames. “They used eight fire extinguishers in total,” a senior railway official revealed, noting that even passengers on the platform pitched in to assist the railway staff. The local fire brigade soon arrived, successfully extinguishing the fire and preventing a potential disaster.

Also Read: Amazon Now Brings 10 Minute Delivery To Mumbai Ahead Of Great Indian Festival

For safety, the Overhead Equipment (OHE) power supply was temporarily shut off, causing disruptions to train services. “Trains heading toward Surat may face delays, and some will halt at all stations up to Dahanu or Valsad to accommodate affected passengers,” said Vineet Abhishek, Western Railway’s chief spokesperson, in a statement to PTI. At least seven Gujarat-bound trains were regulated at various stations, and local train services on the Virar-Dahanu section were also impacted.

The Mumbai Central-Valsad fast passenger train is a popular choice for hundreds of daily commuters, including office workers, students, and traders, due to its convenient schedule. The incident left many stranded, but authorities acted quickly to mitigate the chaos. Six ST buses were arranged to transport passengers, while others were accommodated on the Golden Temple Express, which was rescheduled to depart from Safale station and make additional stops up to Valsad, beyond its usual halt at Surat.

The affected train was canceled, and a replacement engine was attached to move it from Kelve Road station. Senior railway officials and technical staff rushed to the site to investigate the cause of the fire and ensure the safety of the tracks for resuming normal operations.

This dramatic event underscores the critical role of quick thinking and teamwork in averting a crisis. While the investigation into the fire’s cause continues, the bravery of the railway staff and passengers has been widely praised. Western Railway has assured commuters that steps are being taken to restore normalcy and prevent future incidents.

Also Read: Mumbai set for a Housing Boom: Redevelopment to add 44,000 homes by 2030