Alert train crew averts mishap on Barauni – Katihar route

Patna: A mishap was timely averted late Saturday evening when a fire broke out in the driving unit of the DEMU passenger train (73453) en route to Jamalpur. Thanks to the swift action of the train crew and the alertness of local villagers, the fire was brought under control within 30 minutes.

According to Sonepur divisional railway manager (DRM) Vivek Bhusan Sood , the incident took place between Danauli and Phulwaria on the Barauni – Katihar route of the division as the train was making its way through a rural stretch. Alert loco pilot, Rajesh Kumar, and assistant loco pilot, Ranjit Kumar, noticed smoke emanating from the driving unit and immediately halted the train to prevent further escalation. Local villagers rushed to assist, bringing water and basic firefighting tools to help contain the blaze, he said.

However, no casualties or major injuries among passengers were reported. After the fire was fully extinguished and safety checks were completed, the train resumed its further journey to Jamalpur, the DRM said, adding the railways has decided to recommend safety awards to these two loco pilots for their alertness to avert a possible mishap.