The occurrence of a fire within a maintenance train engine stationed at the Joranda railway station in Dhenkanal district, Odisha, was captured on video, depicting flames emanating from the engine compartment.
Prompt response ensued as personnel from the fire department swiftly mobilized to the scene upon receiving notification of the incident. Through their efforts, the fire was successfully brought under control, mitigating potential hazards and safeguarding the surrounding area.
Initial inquiries conducted by the authorities suggest that the fire outbreak within the train engine could have been triggered by a short circuit. However, a comprehensive investigation is currently underway to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the incident, aiming to ascertain the precise cause of the fire.
Subsequent to the occurrence, railway operations at the Joranda railway station experienced disruptions, resulting in the temporary halting of trains on both sides of the crossing point.
Video documentation of the incident portrays the intensity of the flames emanating from the engine, which was reportedly utilized for electrical maintenance tasks by the Railways.
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported thus far, indicating a fortunate outcome amidst the chaotic situation.
It is noteworthy to recall a recent incident involving a coach of the Bhubaneswar-Howrah Jan Shatabdi Express catching fire at Cuttack railway station on December 7. Fortunately, immediate intervention led to the prompt extinguishing of the fire, ensuring the safety of all individuals involved.
Reflecting on railway safety concerns, it's important to mention one of the most tragic railway accidents in the country's history, which occurred in Balasore district, Odisha, in June of the previous year. This catastrophic incident claimed the lives of 290 individuals when the Coromandel Express collided with a stationary goods train, resulting in the derailment of multiple coaches. Additionally, the derailment led to a subsequent collision with the Yeshwantpur-Howrah Express, further exacerbating the severity of the situation.