Fire Breaks Out in Amritsar–Saharsa Garib Rath Express Near Sirhind; One Passenger Injured

Panic broke out aboard the Amritsar-Saharsa Garib Rath Express (Train No. 12204) on Saturday morning when smoke began to fill one of the train's air-conditioned coaches near Sirhind railway station in Punjab. The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m., disrupting the journey of hundreds of passengers travelling from Amritsar to Saharsa.

According to officials, passengers spotted smoke rising from coach G-19, prompting one of them to pull the emergency chain. The train came to an immediate halt, and railway staff rushed to evacuate travellers from the affected section. Within minutes, the fire spread to two adjoining coaches, forcing authorities to detach all three compartments from the rest of the train.

Fire tenders from Sirhind and nearby areas were called to the spot, and firefighters worked swiftly to douse the flames. The quick reaction by both passengers and the train crew helped prevent a larger disaster.

Quick Response Prevents Major Casualties

All passengers were safely moved to other parts of the train following the evacuation. One passenger, a 32-year-old woman, sustained minor burn injuries and was taken to Fatehgarh Sahib Civil Hospital for treatment, confirmed Rattan Lal, Station House Officer of the Government Railway Police (GRP), Sirhind.

Authorities said that once safety checks are complete, the train will continue its journey toward its destination.

Cause of the Fire Under Probe

The Railway Board has ordered an investigation to determine what triggered the fire. Early reports suggest the possibility of an electrical fault, though officials have not ruled out other causes. Technical teams are expected to examine the affected coaches once they cool down.

Railway officials said steps are being taken to ensure passenger safety and prevent such incidents in the future.

Key Information at a Glance

Detail Information

• Train: Amritsar-Saharsa Garib Rath Express
• Train Number: 12204
• Date of incident: October 18, 2025
• Location: Near Sirhind Railway Station, Punjab
• Time: Around 7:30 a.m.
• Affected Coaches: G-19 and two adjacent coaches
• Injuries: One woman (minor burns)
• Fire Status: Controlled, coaches detached
• Investigation Underway by Railway Board
• Railway Officials Praise Passenger Alertness

Officials commended the alertness of passengers whose quick thinking helped avert a tragedy. "The alarm chain was pulled just in time, allowing the train to stop and passengers to be evacuated before the fire could spread further," a GRP officer said.

Fire services reached the location soon after being alerted and managed to extinguish the flames before they could engulf additional compartments.

Broader Safety Takeaway

The Sirhind incident underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and passenger vigilance on Indian trains. Timely action, effective coordination, and adherence to safety protocols were key factors in minimizing the impact of the fire