Four coaches of the AP Express, that plies between Visakhapatnam and New Delhi, caught fire near Madhya Pradesh’s Birlanagar. However, the passengers were quickly moved to safety and no casualties were reported.
The fire reportedly started after a high-tension wire fell on the train, which was returning from New Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin station.
Ved Prakash, a Railway Ministry spokesperson, told IANS that the fire was detected in coach B6 coach around 11.50 am, which then spread to the B7 coach. It then quickly spread, engulfing the door and windows of the neighbouring coaches.
The train guard stopped the train and quickly shifted the passengers in the affected coaches to other coaches. The burning coaches were then separated from the train, before it proceeded to Gwalior station.
An inquiry has been ordered into the accident.
According to reports, no casualties have been reported and the passengers were safely evacuated.
#UPDATE Fire broke out in 4 coaches of Andhra Pradesh Express near Birlanagar station in Gwalior. Fire under control now. All passengers safe #MadhyaPradesh (Earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/QjZIrGaqOR
— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2018
The fire accident led to disruption of several train services in the area.
The official press statement from the department read, "Train no. 22416, New Delhi - Visakhapatnam Express, fire in B7 coach reported at Birlanagar Station near Gwalior. The fire spread to B6 and B5 coach also."
The statement confirmed that all passengers were evacuated from the affected coaches and the fire was doused with the help of three fire brigade units.
Initially it was reported that the train was a Rajdhani Express. However, later, it was confirmed that the train was AP Express
NOT Rajdhani, but AP AC Express.
— LCA TEJAS (@Leopard212) May 21, 2018
Fire spread to 4 Coaches near Gwalior. #Sabocidents
pic.twitter.com/D1PABfMD8l
With IANS inputs