Bihar: Major Train Disaster Averted in Begusarai as Blaze Erupts in Engine
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Synopsis
On April 19, a significant train disaster was narrowly avoided in Begusarai, Bihar, when a fire broke out in a DEMU train's engine. Quick actions by passengers and the train driver averted a larger catastrophe.
Key Takeaways
- Fire erupted in a DEMU train engine in Begusarai.
- Passengers jumped from the moving train in panic.
- Intercity Express driver applied emergency brakes.
- No fatalities reported, minor injuries treated.
- Investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.
Patna, April 19 (NationPress) A significant train disaster was 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 transpired near Danauli-Phulwaria station along the Barauni-Katihar rail section under the Sonpur Railway Division.
According to eyewitness accounts, the atmosphere turned chaotic as smoke and flames began to issue from the train’s engine.
Panic set in among the passengers, leading many to leap from the moving train in a bid to escape the inferno.
Footage from the scene, which circulated on social media, depicted a distressing scramble as passengers sought to save themselves, creating an ambiance of total disarray.
The situation worsened when the Intercity Express from Khagaria barreled down the up track at full speed, approaching the area where passengers were fleeing across the tracks.
However, disaster was averted due to the vigilance of the Intercity train driver, who swiftly applied emergency brakes and sounded the horn upon seeing the fleeing passengers on the track.
His prompt response likely saved numerous lives. Following the incident, teams from the Sonpur division, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), and the fire brigade hurried to the site.
The fire was extinguished, and the affected DEMU train was relocated to Tilrath station for thorough inspection.
While a technical issue is suspected to have triggered the engine fire, railway authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the precise cause.
Railway officials confirmed that the damaged train has been withdrawn from service pending the investigation's findings.
“Some passengers incurred minor injuries while jumping from the train and received first aid before returning home. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported,” he stated.
Railway officials commended the drivers' quick thinking, noting, “The drivers’ presence of mind and the passengers’ swift response prevented a major disaster.”
