Fire Engulfs Four Coaches of Karmabhoomi Express in Punjab; Passengers Evacuated Safely

By Islam Global News Editorial Desk
Published: 6 November 2026
Location: Near Rajpura, Punjab, India
Category: India | Public Safety & Transport

A major fire broke out in four coaches of the Karmabhoomi Express near Sarai Banjara railway station in Punjab's Patiala district on Friday afternoon, triggering panic among passengers and prompting an emergency evacuation.

The train, numbered 12508, operates between Amritsar and New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.

According to initial reports, the fire spread across four general coaches while the train was travelling near Rajpura. Thick smoke and flames were seen rising from the affected compartments.

Passengers Evacuated After Emergency Alert

Passengers rushed out of the affected coaches after the fire alarm alerted them to the danger.

Railway officials, local police and fire brigade teams reached the location and began emergency operations.

The fire was subsequently brought under control, according to initial reports from local authorities.

No deaths or passenger injuries had been reported in the initial updates available on November 6.

Medical and Emergency Teams Dispatched

The Ambala Railway Division dispatched a medical relief train carrying Accident Relief Medical Equipment to assist with the emergency response.

Railway officials and the Divisional Railway Manager also reached the site to supervise the situation and assess the damage.

The immediate priority was to ensure passenger safety and prevent the fire from spreading to additional coaches.

What Caused the Fire?

A short circuit was mentioned as a possible cause in preliminary media reports.

However, railway authorities have not officially confirmed the cause.

The Railways has ordered a high-level inquiry to establish how the fire started and determine whether any technical or operational failure contributed to the incident.

Questions About Railway Fire Safety

The incident has once again drawn attention to fire prevention and emergency preparedness on India's long-distance passenger trains.

Railway safety experts generally emphasise the importance of electrical inspections, functioning fire alarms, firefighting equipment and clear evacuation procedures.

The safe evacuation of passengers in this incident highlights the importance of early warnings and coordinated emergency response.

Further details about the damaged coaches, train operations and investigation findings are awaited.

Islam Global News Editorial Desk

This report is based on initial information published on November 6, 2026. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and casualty information may be updated by railway authorities.