Bihar: Catastrophic Train Incident Averted in Begusarai as Fire Erupts in DEMU Engine
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Synopsis
A train disaster was narrowly prevented in Bihar's Begusarai when a fire erupted in the engine of a DEMU train. Quick action from the driver and passengers led to a successful evacuation, avoiding casualties.
Key Takeaways
- Fire broke out in DEMU train engine.
- Panic led to passengers jumping from the moving train.
- Intercity Express driver prevented further catastrophe.
- Minor injuries reported; no fatalities.
- Investigation into the cause of the fire underway.
Patna, April 19 (NationPress) A significant train catastrophe was narrowly avoided in Bihar’s Begusarai district on Saturday evening when a fire ignited in the engine of a DEMU train traveling from Tilrath to Jamalpur.
The incident took place near Danauli-Phulwaria station on the Barauni-Katihar rail line, part of the Sonpur Railway Division.
According to eyewitnesses, chaos ensued as smoke and flames erupted from the train’s engine.
Panic spread among passengers, leading many to leap from the moving train to escape the inferno.
Footage from the scene shared on social media depicted a frightening rush as passengers scrambled to safeguard their lives, creating a scene of complete disorder.
The situation worsened when the Intercity Express from Khagaria approached at high speed, heading towards the area where passengers were fleeing across the tracks.
Fortunately, disaster was averted due to the vigilance of the Intercity train driver, who promptly applied emergency brakes and honked the horn upon noticing the passengers on the tracks.
His swift action potentially saved numerous lives. Following the report, teams from the Sonpur division, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), and the fire brigade immediately arrived at the location.
The fire was extinguished, and the affected DEMU train was transported to Tilrath station for further examination.
While a technical malfunction is suspected to be the cause of the engine fire, railway authorities have initiated a thorough investigation to ascertain the precise reason.
Railway officials indicated that the damaged train has been removed from service pending the investigation's results.
“Some passengers suffered minor injuries while escaping the train and received first aid before returning home. Fortunately, no fatalities were recorded,” an official stated.
Railway officials commended the drivers' quick thinking, noting, “The alertness demonstrated by the drivers and the immediate response from passengers averted a major disaster.”
