On the morning of October 18, 2025, a significant fire incident occurred aboard the Garib Rath train traveling from Ludhiana to Delhi. The fire broke out in Coach number 19 of the train, which was an AC coach carrying multiple passengers. The passengers were startled when smoke began emanating from the coach, and within moments, flames were visible. This caused widespread panic, and passengers scrambled to escape. Some even jumped out of the train in a desperate attempt to save their lives. As a result, several passengers sustained injuries during the chaos.
The train had crossed the Sirhind station at around 7:00 AM when a passenger noticed smoke rising from the air-conditioned coach. The passenger quickly raised an alarm and pulled the emergency chain to stop the train. As the smoke intensified and fire flames began to spread, the situation escalated rapidly. Passengers started to evacuate the coach, but in the ensuing confusion, many were injured. The Train Ticket Examiner (TTE) and the train pilot were quick to respond and immediately informed the railway control room about the emergency.
Immediate Response and Railway Authorities’ Actions
Following the distress call, both the railway police and local administrative teams rushed to the scene to assess the situation and attempt to control the fire. Their swift response and coordinated efforts were crucial in preventing further damage. Within an hour, the fire was brought under control, and the train was cleared to resume its journey. The fire’s quick containment prevented any casualties among the passengers, though several did suffer injuries while trying to flee the scene. They were provided with immediate first aid to address their injuries.
Cause of the Fire: Short Circuit Suspected
According to an official statement released by the railway authorities, the incident occurred at around 7:30 AM when the Amritsar-Saharsa Express, Train No. 12204, was passing through Punjab’s Sirhind station. The fire erupted in one of the coaches, and upon being alerted, the railway officials acted swiftly. The passengers were promptly evacuated from the affected coach and moved to other coaches for their safety. The fire was doused quickly, and thankfully, no one sustained life-threatening injuries.
Preliminary investigations suggested that a short circuit was the most likely cause of the fire. However, railway engineers have been assigned to further investigate the exact reasons for the fire outbreak. While the fire was under control, some passengers suffered injuries as they tried to escape the burning coach in the panic. These injured passengers were given primary treatment on the spot before being further attended to.
Passenger Safety and Quick Actions by Railway Staff
As the fire broke out, the TTE and the pilot of the train reacted promptly. They ensured that all necessary steps were taken to mitigate the damage. The TTE immediately contacted the railway control room to inform them of the emergency. The passengers were provided guidance on how to evacuate safely, and efforts were made to keep the situation under control.
The rapid response of the railway staff, including the quick action of the train’s pilot and the TTE, helped minimize the risk of casualties. The railway control room coordinated with local emergency services and the fire brigade to provide additional support, further ensuring that the fire was contained swiftly.
Injuries to Passengers: Immediate Medical Assistance Provided
In the midst of the panic and chaos, several passengers sustained minor injuries as they tried to exit the coach. Some passengers were injured while jumping out of the moving train, while others sustained bruises and cuts due to the commotion. The local railway staff, along with medical teams, promptly arrived at the scene and provided first aid to the injured passengers.
The quick medical assistance and the efficient coordination between the railway authorities and local administration helped ensure that the injured were treated immediately. While no major injuries or fatalities were reported, the incident raised concerns about the safety measures in place during such emergencies.
Further Investigation into the Cause of the Fire
Although a short circuit is suspected to be the cause of the fire, railway engineers are still investigating the situation thoroughly. The fire department and railway engineers are examining the affected coach, along with other parts of the train, to ensure that the root cause of the incident is identified.
Given the nature of the fire and its rapid spread, the authorities are likely to review the safety protocols on the train to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future. While the initial investigation points to a technical malfunction, the railway engineers are conducting a more comprehensive examination to rule out other possibilities.
Railway Authorities Urged to Improve Safety Measures
The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety measures in place on long-distance trains. Although the fire was contained relatively quickly, the situation could have escalated had the emergency response not been swift. Passengers and railway safety experts have called for enhanced safety protocols, especially in air-conditioned coaches where fire hazards can be more dangerous.
Railway officials have assured the public that they will review the existing safety measures and implement improvements where necessary. This includes reviewing the condition of electrical wiring, emergency exits, fire safety equipment, and the overall maintenance of coaches to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of prompt action during emergencies. The quick thinking of the passenger who raised the alarm and the swift response of the railway staff played a vital role in preventing what could have been a much more serious situation. Although there were injuries, the authorities were able to prevent any major loss of life.
The fire on the Garib Rath train highlights the need for constant vigilance and robust safety measures in public transport systems. It also emphasizes the importance of preparing passengers and staff for emergencies, ensuring that everyone is aware of the protocols to follow in case of a fire or other life-threatening situations.
As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, the railway authorities are likely to introduce new safety measures to improve the overall safety and security of train journeys. Passengers traveling on Indian Railways must also remain alert and report any suspicious activity or potential hazards to ensure their own safety and that of their fellow passengers.
