In a harrowing incident, four coaches of a Delhi-Darbhanga train caught fire near Etawah in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, leaving eight individuals injured. The incident adds to the chaos already prevalent in the railway system, as trains to Bihar are overflowing with passengers due to the ongoing Chhath festival.
The fire broke out in the S1 (sleeper) coach of the 02570 Delhi-Darbhanga Clone Special as it was passing through the Sarai Bhopat station. Disturbing visuals from the scene captured a massive blaze engulfing one of the coaches, prompting passengers and officials to gather around in a bid to contain the situation.
The incident occurred at a critical juncture when railway services are strained due to the surge in travelers heading to Bihar for the Chhath festival. The festival witnesses a significant influx of passengers, and all trains to Bihar are reportedly packed.
A railway official confirmed that the injured have been swiftly admitted to the district hospital in Etawah, emphasizing the need for immediate medical attention.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and authorities are launching an investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to the blaze. Passengers and their belongings faced potential danger as panic ensued, underscoring the challenges faced by authorities in managing the festival rush.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for enhanced safety measures, particularly during festive seasons when travel volumes are at their peak. The railway authorities are expected to conduct a thorough review of safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the affected individuals receive medical care, questions loom over the preparedness of the railway system to handle the festive rush, emphasizing the urgency for proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers during these high-demand periods.
Sources By Agencies
