Punjab: A massive fire broke out on the Amritsar-Saharsa Garib Rath Express Train in Punjab on Saturday (October 18, 2025). The incident occurred near the Sirhind junction due to a suspected short circuit. Three coaches were gutted in the blaze, while a woman sustained burn injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital. The train was en route from Ludhiana to Delhi when the fire erupted mid-journey.
Several businessmen were reported to be riding on the bogie when smoke began to gush from coach number 19, creating panic among passengers. They pulled the chain immediately, bringing the train to a halt just half a kilometer ahead of Ambala, reports added. Meanwhile, the loco pilot also applied emergency brakes and ordered all passengers to disembark from the vehicle.
Upon being alerted, railway officials, staff, GRP, RPF, and police teams arrived at the scene. After about an hour, the fire brigade managed to control the blaze. According to Sirhind GRP SHO Ratan La, no casualties have been reported from the accident.
Vinod Bhatia, Divisional Railway Manager of Northern Railways, told ANI, “Around 7.30 am, when this Amritsar to Saharsa train was crossing from Sirhind station, a fire and smoke was noted which was controlled at the station immediately. Within 15-20 minutes, affected coaches were separated from the other parts of the train. Passengers from the affected coaches were also rescued cautiously. One passenger suffered 30-40% burns…”
He further added, “Around 5-6 trains coming from Ferozepur are affected because of this, and 1-2 other divisions coming from Ambala were also affected. This line was affected for just 1.5 hours… Our section is clear, and it does not affect traffic. The cause of the fire is not yet clear. It will be clear after the analysis is done by forensic experts.”
#BREAKING : Coach of Garib Rath Express Catches Fire at Sirhind, All Passengers Safe
Fire breaks out in a coach of the Amritsar–Saharsa Garib Rath Express at Sirhind station, Punjab.
Fire brought under control, all passengers safe. No injuries reported.#Punjab #IndianRailways… pic.twitter.com/QQ0rnrUyci
— upuknews (@upuknews1) October 18, 2025
An investigation is underway to find out the exact cause of the fire. Several passengers were injured while fleeing the train in panic the chaos was given first aid. Videos circulating on social media showed them standing with their luggage near the tracks.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Railways said, “A fire broke out in a coach of Train No. 12204 Amritsar-Saharsa at Sirhind Station in Punjab earlier today. No casualties reported. Fire has been extinguished.”
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