Rajasthan: A major tragedy was narrowly avoided when a fire broke out in the engine of the Garib Rath Express around 3:00 am on Saturday at Sendra Railway Station in Rajasthan's Beawar district. The quick thinking and swift action of the loco pilot saved all passengers, evacuating them without any injuries.

According to railway officials, the fire caused damage to the engine, but prompt intervention prevented it from spreading to the rest of the train. The fire was brought under control with the help of fire brigade teams, who reached the site shortly after the alert was raised. Engineering teams and railway authorities also rushed to the scene to assist with emergency efforts and assess the damage.

The incident began when passengers noticed smoke emerging from the engine and immediately alerted the loco pilot. Responding without delay, the pilot brought the train to a halt and ensured a safe evacuation of all onboard. “We saw smoke coming out of the engine and informed the driver. He reacted immediately and stopped the train. His presence of mind saved us as it did not allow the fire to spread to the other coaches.”

In response to the emergency, the railway administration suspended the movement of nearby trains, halting them at various stations along the route to prevent further incidents. Officials stated that restoration work is ongoing and rail traffic is expected to resume within a few hours.

Initial findings suggest that the fire may have been caused by a technical malfunction or a short circuit within the engine. However, a detailed investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause.

A railway spokesperson confirmed that no passengers were harmed and assured that alternative arrangements had been made to help them reach their destinations.

Meanwhile, the damaged engine is being removed to clear the track and restore full operations. Authorities have also indicated that a review of safety and maintenance protocols will be conducted to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

IANS inputs