Patna: Chaos unfolded at Sasaram Railway Station early on Monday morning after a fire broke out in a general coach of the Bhabhua-Sasaram-Patna Intercity Express.
According to railway officials, the train was standing at the platform and was scheduled to depart at 6:45am when flames suddenly erupted inside one of the general compartments.
Passengers Rush To Escape Amid Panic
Eyewitnesses said smoke was first seen rising from the coach before the fire spread rapidly through the compartment.
At the time of the incident, a large number of passengers were inside the coach, triggering panic and a near-stampede situation as people rushed to get off the train.
Several passengers reportedly abandoned their luggage while attempting to escape.
Officials said all passengers were evacuated safely and no casualties or injuries were reported.
Fire Brigade And Railway Teams Rush To Spot
Following the incident, teams from the railway administration and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) reached the scene along with firefighters.
The fire brigade managed to bring the blaze under control after an extensive operation, although a substantial portion of the general coach was damaged in the fire.
An atmosphere of confusion and fear continued at the station for some time after the incident.
Investigation Underway Into Cause Of Fire
Sanjeev Kumar said an investigation had been launched to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Preliminary suspicions include:
- a short circuit
- the possibility of inflammable material being carried by a passenger
Officials said the precise cause would only be confirmed after a detailed technical examination.
Railway authorities have detached the affected coach and initiated a technical inspection.
Questions Raised Over Railway Safety
The incident has once again raised concerns regarding fire safety and emergency preparedness on passenger trains.
Passengers at the station demanded:
- regular inspection of coaches
- improved fire safety systems
- stricter monitoring of hazardous materials
Railway officials said additional directions had been issued to strengthen safety and security protocols following the incident.
