Swarna Nagri Express Fire Scare: Emergency Brakes Applied Amid Smoke Incident
Passengers aboard the Swarna Nagri Express (Train 12468) traveling from Delhi to Jaisalmer experienced a startling incident on Sunday morning when smoke was observed emanating from the wheels of the train. The event unfolded around 9 am, causing alarm among travelers as the loco pilot swiftly applied emergency brakes to bring the train to a halt.
Timeline of the Incident
According to reports, the fire broke out under the S-2 coach of the Swarna Nagri Express near the Jetha-Chandhan railway station between approximately 9:15 and 9:30 am. The train had departed from Lathi station for Jaisalmer on schedule. Upon noticing the smoke, the loco pilot initiated emergency braking procedures between Jetha and Chandhan stations, stopping the train in a forested area.
Railway technical staff and the guard promptly arrived at the affected coach and used fire extinguishers to bring the blaze under control. The train remained stationary on the tracks for about 20 minutes, during which passengers evacuated with their luggage as a precautionary measure.
Passenger Accounts and Safety Measures
Dinesh Khatri, a resident of Ramgarh who was traveling on the train, described the scene: "The passengers were preparing to disembark upon reaching Jaisalmer when suddenly the brakes were applied, and heavy smoke appeared. This caused commotion, and initially, we were clueless. Some individuals assisted everyone in alighting from the coach, and by then, railway staff had also reached the spot."
Another passenger reported seeing sudden heavy smoke in the S-2 coach, with flames visible rising from underneath after the train stopped. Following a preliminary investigation and safety checks, the train was dispatched to Jaisalmer with a delay of approximately 20 minutes.
Potential Causes and Official Response
No official statement has been issued by the railway administration regarding the cause of the fire. However, railway experts have suggested that the incident might be attributed to 'brake binding', a condition where brake shoes stick to the wheel, leading to continuous friction. This friction can cause rubber components to overheat, increasing the risk of fire. The exact cause remains under investigation.
This incident highlights the importance of railway safety protocols and the swift response of staff in managing emergencies. Passengers were safely evacuated, and the train resumed its journey with minimal disruption, underscoring the effectiveness of the emergency procedures in place.
