Six trains delayed after Amritsar–Saharsa Garib Rath Express catches fire

The incident caused panic among passengers and led to delays in several other trains. However, a major tragedy was averted due to the timely response by passengers as well as railway authorities.

The fire broke out around 7.30 am in the G-19 coach of the Garib Rath when passengers noticed smoke and pulled the emergency chain. The train was immediately halted near Sirhind, and railway staff, along with fire brigade teams, rushed to the spot. The affected coach and two adjoining coaches, which suffered minor damage, were detached from the train to prevent the fire from spreading, officials said.

One 32-year-old woman sustained minor burn injuries and was admitted to the Civil Hospital, Fatehgarh Sahib. The woman, however, resumed her journey afterwards, said sources.

Officials from the Ambala Divisional Railway Office confirmed that new AC coaches were attached and the Garib Rath resumed its journey at 10.18 am, after a delay of about two hours and 50 minutes. “All passengers boarded the train again and proceeded ahead,” said a railway officer from the Ambala division.

Trains delayed

The incident also affected the movement of several other trains. According to railway authorities, six trains got delayed due to the emergency. They were 12716 Sachkhand Express, 14682 Jalandhar City–New Delhi Intercity Express, 15707 Amrapali Express, 12919 Malwa Express, 12014 Amritsar–New Delhi Shatabdi Express, and 64514 Ambala–Ludhiana MEMU — with delays ranging from one hour to over three hours and 15 minutes.

Preliminary investigations suggested that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit, though officers said a detailed probe is underway.