New Delhi: On Monday morning, a distressing incident occurred during the journey of the Vande Bharat train, which was travelling from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, to New Delhi. A fire erupted in the battery box of one of the train’s coaches soon after it departed from Rani Kamalapati station, previously known as Habibganj, en route to Nizamuddin in New Delhi.
Prompt action was taken to ensure the safety of the approximately 20-22 passengers onboard. They were immediately relocated to other coaches, and fortunately, no injuries were reported, according to an official statement provided to PTI.
The fire was initially noticed by railway staff members around 6:45 am. The train, named Rani Kamalapati-Hazrat Nizamuddin Vande Bharat, was promptly halted between Kurwai and Kaithora stations in Vidisha district. It was discovered that the fire originated in the battery box of the C-12 coach.
To address the situation, a team of fire brigade officials quickly arrived at the scene. All passengers were successfully evacuated, and railway staff members initiated the necessary repair work. The Railways released a statement confirming the incident and assuring that the fire was extinguished by the fire brigade at Kurwai Kethora station.
Visuals depicting the incident showed flames engulfing one of the train’s coaches, with individuals attempting to extinguish the fire. Other visuals captured passengers waiting outside the train at Kurwai Kethora station.
The Vande Bharat Express, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April, connects Rani Kamlapati Railway Station in Madhya Pradesh to Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi. This high-speed train covers a distance of 701 kilometers in 7 hours and 30 minutes, operating on all days except Saturdays.