Amaravati Express engine catches fire; no injuries

Team Herald

VASCO: Panic prevailed among the passengers of the Vasco-Howrah Amaravati Express (18048) train when one of the two diesel locomotive (engine) caught fire between Vasco and Cansaulim railway station, on Sunday morning. 

At least 1200 passengers on board the train were stranded for almost two hours. Luckily no injuries or casualty was reported as the fire was doused off by a joint operation of Railway Staff and fire station staff from Verna fire station. Railways have initiated an inquiry to find out the cause of fire. 

According to information, at about 7.10 am, Vasco-Howrah Amaravati Express departed from Vasco railway station for its schedule journey to Howrah. However, when the train was passing New Vaddem locality, the drivers spotted some smoke billowing out of the rear locomotive. Hence, they switched off the locomotive that was under fire and alerted railway authorities as well as Fire and Emergency Services. 

The drivers later stopped the train at Cansaulim railway station and tried to douse the flames using fire extinguisher, however they were unsuccessful, but they managed to keep the fire under control. The engine was immediately detached from bogies and fire tenders from Verna Fire station doused off the flames. Fire officials claimed that electrical panel of the locomotive was severely damaged in the incident. 

The fire incident, however, created panic among passengers of the front coaches. After two hours another engine was brought and the train left for its destination. 

Station Manager from Vasco Railway Station P C Chacko said, “After fire was reported to one of the locomotive, we sent another loco from Vasco and at about 9.27 am the train departed to it’s destination. The train had departed from Vasco railway station with working condition locos and thus experts will find out the cause behind the fire.”