Karmabhoomi Express Fire in Punjab: Passengers Evacuated Near Rajpura, No Casualties Reported

Fire and smoke rose from a part of the Karmabhoomi Express, which was travelling from Amritsar to New Jalpaiguri, near Basantpura station in Punjab on Friday. The incident caused panic among passengers. Initial information says there is no report of anyone being killed or injured.

Incident on rail route near Rajpura, passengers moved to safe place

A fire has broken out in the Karmabhoomi Express, which was going from Amritsar to New Jalpaiguri in Punjab. According to preliminary information, the fire was noticed when the train reached around Basantpura station, about 15 km from Rajpura. Passengers panicked on seeing smoke and flames suddenly rising. Several passengers got up from their seats and tried to get out, creating chaos inside the train for some time.

It is being said that the train's driver and railway staff took the situation seriously and stopped the train. Passengers were then taken out of the coaches. With the help of railway staff, they were brought down safely and moved to an open area away from the track. Passengers are currently standing at a safe place in nearby fields.

Safety system activated; officials take charge

Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Northern Railway, said that information was received about a fire in four coaches of the Karmabhoomi Express running from Amritsar to New Jalpaiguri. He said the incident took place near Sarai Banjara station in Ambala division.

He said the train stopped because the safety system was activated in time. Action to bring the fire under control was then begun. Senior railway officials also reached the spot and started assessing the situation.

The administration's priority was to ensure passengers' safety and stop the fire from spreading to other coaches. The railways were taking the necessary action at the spot after the incident.

Relief and rescue teams step in

As soon as information about the fire was received, railway administration and relief personnel were sent to the spot. Efforts are under way at the site to extinguish the fire and bring the situation under control. According to initial information, no passenger has been confirmed dead or seriously injured.

However, the cause of the fire and the part of the train where it started have not yet been officially disclosed. An investigation will be needed to find the cause. A clear picture of the nature of the fire, the affected coaches and the impact on train operations will emerge only after a detailed statement from the railways.