How did the massive fire break out in Rajdhani Express? Reason revealed, lives of 68 passengers saved in 15 minutes – investigation started – watch VIDEO

Sunday morning turned into panic in Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh when suddenly smoke started rising from an AC coach of Thiruvananthapuram-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express, which is counted among the most premium trains of the country. Within a few seconds the smoke turned into flames and within no time the entire B-1 coach was filled with smoke. There was chaos among the passengers sitting inside the train. Some ran away leaving their belongings while others ran towards the door with their children.

It was morning time. Most of the passengers were sleeping. Then suddenly the sounds of “Aag-Aag” started echoing. The train was running between Vikramgarh Alot and Lunirichha stations in Madhya Pradesh. But the promptness and alertness of the railway employees averted a major accident. Within just 15 minutes, 68 passengers were taken out safely and a major train accident was avoided.

How did the Rajdhani Express catch fire?

According to railway officials, train number 12431 Thiruvananthapuram-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express was passing through Ratlam Railway Division at around 5:15 am on Sunday morning. Then smoke was seen rising near B-1 AC coach. The train guard was the first to see the flames coming out of the coach. The guard immediately informed the loco pilot and the train was stopped by applying emergency brakes. In the initial investigation, it is believed that the fire may have started due to some electrical fault, wiring short circuit or technical fault in the AC system. However, Railways has not yet officially confirmed it.

Within minutes the coach was filled with smoke

According to eyewitnesses the fire spread very quickly. Smoke started filling inside the B-1 coach and the passengers started having trouble breathing. Many people got scared and jumped from their seats. Meanwhile, the railway staff showed speed and started evacuating the coach. The Railways immediately switched off the overhead electric supply (OHE) so that the fire does not spread to other parts. But the fire gradually reached the rear SLR i.e. luggage-cum-guard van.

Lives of 68 people were saved in 15 minutes

According to the railway administration, all 68 passengers traveling in B-1 coach were taken out safely. It is a matter of relief that no one was injured in this incident. West Central Railway, Kota Division issued a statement saying that the affected coach was separated from the train and all the passengers were shifted to other coaches. Later the train was dispatched again after about four hours at around 9:45 in the morning.

Delhi-Mumbai rail route affected

The impact of the fire in Rajdhani Express was also seen on the Delhi-Mumbai rail route. According to railway officials, the movement of about 8 to 10 trains was affected. Many trains had to be stopped en route. Railways sent relief train, tower wagon and technical team to the spot. Ratlam Divisional Railway Manager Ajay Kumar Kalra himself was keeping an eye on the situation.

Is this the second major incident recently?

The shocking thing is that this is the second major train fire incident in the last few days. Earlier on May 15, fire broke out in B1 and B2 AC coaches of Hyderabad-Jaipur Special Express. However, in that incident also all the passengers were saved safely. Now such incidents are continuously coming to the fore and have raised questions on the fire safety system of Indian Railways.

Railways started high level investigation

Railways has ordered a high level inquiry into this matter. Besides, a decision has also been taken to audit the fire safety system and electrical system of train coaches across the country. The technical team is now trying to find out what was the real cause of the fire. Short circuit in wiring, fault in AC unit or any other technical negligence? At present, the answer to this question will be revealed only after the investigation report comes.