Major Tragedy Averted as Fire Erupts in Amritsar-Saharsa Garib Rath Express near Sirhind

Panic gripped hundreds of passengers aboard the Bihar-bound Amritsar-Saharsa Garib Rath Express (Train No. 12204) early Saturday morning when a major fire broke out in one of its air-conditioned coaches near Sirhind railway station in Punjab’s Fatehgarh Sahib district. A potentially catastrophic disaster was narrowly averted thanks to the swift actions of alert passengers and quick-responding railway and emergency personnel.

The incident occurred around 7:30 AM when the train, originating from Amritsar, was passing through the vicinity of the Sirhind station. Smoke was first noticed billowing from the AC coach designated ‘G-19’. Alarmed by the rising smoke and the spread of the fire, a quick-thinking passenger pulled the emergency alarm chain, bringing the express train to an immediate halt.

Swift Evacuation and Response

As the train stopped, railway staff and co-passengers immediately swung into action, initiating the safe evacuation of all occupants from the affected coach and shifting them to adjacent compartments. The fire, however, rapidly escalated, soon engulfing coach G-19 and causing minor damage to two adjoining coaches.

Emergency services, including fire tenders from Sirhind and nearby areas, the Government Railway Police (GRP), and Railway Protection Force (RPF), rushed to the scene. Their coordinated efforts brought the intense blaze under control within approximately an hour. To contain the damage and prevent the fire from spreading further, the three affected coaches were promptly detached from the rest of the train.

Minimal Casualties Reported

In a significant relief, no fatalities were reported in the incident. Officials confirmed that all passengers were safely evacuated. However, one passenger, a 32-year-old woman, sustained minor burn injuries during the chaotic evacuation process. She was immediately taken to the Civil Hospital in Fatehgarh Sahib for treatment and was reported to be in stable condition, later even resuming her journey.

The prompt response of the passengers, who raised the alarm, and the rapid, decisive action by the railway crew in halting the train and ensuring evacuation were highly commended by authorities for preventing a large-scale tragedy.

Investigation Underway, Short Circuit Suspected

While the immediate cause is under official investigation by the Railway Board, preliminary reports from the Government Railway Police (GRP) suggest that an electrical short circuit in coach G-19 may have been the source of the fire. Technical teams have been ordered to conduct a detailed inspection once the affected coaches cool down.

Following the containment of the fire, the remaining coaches of the Amritsar-Saharsa Garib Rath Express underwent necessary safety checks. New coaches were arranged and attached, and the train was eventually cleared to resume its long journey towards its destination in Saharsa, Bihar, albeit with a delay.

The incident temporarily disrupted rail traffic on the Ambala–Ludhiana route, causing delays to several other express trains, underscoring the vital importance of passenger safety and emergency preparedness across the railway network.