16 passengers hospitalised after Karambhoomi Express fire, condition stable

Sixteen passengers have been rushed to hospitals for treatment following burns and injuries after coaches of the Karambhoomi Express caught fire near the Sarai Banjara railway station between Rajpura and Sirhind. Due to coaches filling with smoke, several passengers broke emergency windows and jumped out.

Dr. Sharanpreet Singh, SMO of the Rajpura Civil Hospital, stated that 15 passengers were brought to the hospital, out of whom 8 suffered minor burns while others experienced breathing difficulties or minor injuries. According to him, the condition of all patients is stable. Dr. Jaspreet Singh Bedi, SMO of the Fatehgarh Sahib Civil Hospital, stated that an injured passenger admitted there was discharged after first aid.

GRP AIG Amarpreet Singh Ghumman and SHO Gurpreet Singh stated that according to preliminary investigation, the fire broke out due to a short circuit in a coach fan. Four general coaches affected by the fire were detached from the train.

Ambala Division Railway Manager Vinod Bhatia stated that a forensic investigation is being conducted to ascertain the exact causes of the incident. He stated that rail traffic has been restored after the completion of the railway track inspection.

The railway administration has run two special trains to send the stranded passengers towards New Jalpaiguri. Arrangements for food and langar were also made for the passengers with the cooperation of the district administration and the local gurdwara.

Key developments

• 16 passengers admitted to hospital after fire in Karambhoomi Express coaches
• 8 patients admitted to Rajpura hospital with minor burns, doctors call condition of all stable
• Preliminary investigation points to short circuit in coach fan
• Two special trains dispatched to transport stranded passengers to destination