Four coaches of the Karmabhoomi Express caught fire near Sarai Banjara in Punjab’s Patiala district on Friday, November 6, triggering panic among passengers. Train number 12508 was travelling from Amritsar to New Jalpaiguri when the blaze broke out between Rajpura and Sirhind at around 1.10 pm.
Thick smoke and flames rose from the affected coaches, prompting passengers to leave the train and move to safety. No deaths or injuries had been reported in initial updates. Officials have not yet issued a detailed statement on the incident.
Fire Breaks Out Near Sarai Banjara
According to preliminary reports, the fire was first noticed in a coach towards the front and spread to three other coaches. The train was stopped near Sarai Banjara as the situation unfolded.
Videos from the area showed dense smoke billowing into the air, while passengers stood away from the affected coaches. The incident also caused alarm in the surrounding area.
Emergency Response Underway
Fire brigade teams and railway personnel were alerted and reached the location. Passengers were moved away from the affected coaches as efforts began to bring the blaze under control.
The extent of damage and the impact on train services were not immediately clear. Details about the response and the resumption of the journey are awaited.
Cause of Fire Yet to Be Established
The exact cause of the fire has not been officially established. Some reports have suggested a possible short circuit, but this remains unconfirmed. A technical examination is expected to determine how the fire started and spread.
Railway authorities are expected to assess the damage and investigate the incident. Further official information about the cause, passenger safety and disruption to rail operations is awaited.