City Chief Desk
 

Ratlam, Panic and chaos ensued on Sunday morning in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam district after a massive fire broke out on the Thiruvananthapuram-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express (Train Number 12431). The incident, which occurred within the Kota Railway Division near Ratlam's Alot station and the Luni Richha area, is reported to have taken place around 5:30 AM. According to preliminary information, the fire originated in the train's AC coaches B-1 and B-2. Reports suggest that a short circuit is the primary suspected cause of the blaze; however, the Railways have initiated a detailed investigation, and the definitive cause will only be established following the official inquiry report. As soon as the fire erupted, smoke filled the train, triggering screams and panic among the passengers. The train was brought to an immediate halt, and with the assistance of railway staff, the RPF (Railway Protection Force), and local residents, passengers were rapidly evacuated. Many passengers were safely brought out through emergency doors and windows. Fire brigade teams arrived at the scene and successfully brought the fire under control. As of now, there are no official reports of any passenger fatalities or serious injuries. According to railway officials, all passengers were safely evacuated, thereby averting a major disaster. This incident has had a significant impact on the Delhi-Mumbai railway route; due to the fire, several trains had to be halted mid-journey, while the routes of others were diverted. The Railways have implemented alternative arrangements, rerouting certain trains via different tracks to facilitate a gradual return to normalcy in rail traffic. The railway administration has also announced the provision of additional coaches and alternative travel arrangements for the affected passengers. Following the incident, security inspections have been intensified across the entire railway section, and a technical team is currently examining the wiring and electrical systems of the coaches.