Sirhind (Punjab): Panic broke out aboard the Amritsar–Saharsa Garib Rath Express on Saturday morning after one of its coaches caught fire near Sirhind railway station in Punjab. The blaze, which originated due to a suspected short circuit in AC coach number 19, completely gutted the coach and partially damaged the adjacent one.
According to officials, the incident occurred around 7 a.m. when the train had just crossed Sirhind station. A passenger in coach number 19 noticed smoke and immediately pulled the chain to stop the train. As the flames spread, passengers began scrambling to get out, leaving behind luggage and personal belongings. Several people, including families with children, sustained minor injuries while jumping from the train in panic.
Railway, fire brigade, and police teams rushed to the spot soon after being alerted. The fire was brought under control within an hour. “Coach number 19 was completely destroyed, and coach number 18 suffered partial damage,” said a railway official.
Mukesh Gautam, a passenger from Ludhiana who was traveling in coach number 18, recounted the harrowing moments: “As soon as the train crossed Sirhind, people from the next coach started running towards us, shouting that there was smoke inside. Someone pulled the chain, and the train stopped. Thankfully, everyone managed to escape in time.”
Railway staff and rescue teams detached the burnt coach from the rest of the train to prevent further damage. After the situation was brought under control, the train was sent to Ambala, where replacement coaches are being arranged.
In an official statement, the Northern Railway said, “A coach of train number 12204 Amritsar–Saharsa Garib Rath caught fire near Sirhind station at 7:30 a.m. today. Railway officials responded promptly, relocated passengers to other coaches, and extinguished the fire. No casualties have been reported.”
Officials added that the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Ambala Division will inspect the site later in the day.
