20230718 Train fire: Frayed nerves, but all safe
India Jul 18 2023 “Automobile & Railway”
Dead : dead 0 or unknown Burnout : 0 or unknown Injured : injured 0 or unknown
Train fire: Frayed nerves, but all safe
Updated: 2023-07-18
BHOPAL: Passengers aboard the Vande Bharat train heading from Bhopal to New Delhi were left terrified as the fire broke out in the battery box located under the coach of the train.
As soon as the alarm went out, the OEM engineer, junior engineer (carriage & wagon) and train superintendent present in the train rushed to the scene. The batteries were isolated from all electrical protection systems. The railways said that no passenger suffered any injury.
One passenger, who was travelling from Bhopal to Gwalior in C-14 coach when the incident took place, told TOI that many people in the other coaches didn’t know about the fire. “We were unaware about the incident, and were informed by railway staff when they advised us not to panic. Many children and women in the coach were really worried as the fire was under the coach and no one knew what to do if it engulfed the bogie. A few people were seen jumping from the coach,” said Bhopal businessman Vishal Chouksey.
Former Bhopal collector Avinash Lavaniya, who was on the same train, said. “My coach was in the middle of the train. There was no problem to any passenger travelling in my coach. Railway officials tried their best to help passengers.”
On Monday, the Rani Kamlapati-Hazrat Nizamuddin Vande Bharat Express departed from Rani Kamlapati station at scheduled time of 5.40 am. While passing through Kalhar station, the station staff of Kalhar observed smoke coming out in the battery box of C-14 coach. They immediately informed senior officers and control room. The train was stopped at Kurwai Kethora station at 6:50 am and checked. The fire was controlled with the help of fire extinguishers. Within a short time, the fire brigade reached the spot and at 07:58 the fire was doused and traffic and power block was taken for investigation.
The battery box was disconnected from the train after thorough check and other electrical components were also checked and the train was flagged off from Kurwai Kaithora station around 10.20 am. Quick action saved lives.
Web Source: The Times of India