Your Railway Guide | July 19, 2025
In the early hours of Saturday, panic struck on board the 12216 Garib Rath Express when its engine caught fire near Sendra Station (close to Beawar), Rajasthan. The incident occurred around 3:00 AM, prompting immediate action from railway staff and the local fire brigade, ultimately preventing what could have been a catastrophic disaster.
What happened after departed from Sendra – Smoke, Sparks, and Panic in the Dark
As the train moved past Sendra station, passengers noticed loud sounds followed by smoke billowing from the engine. Within moments, flames were visibly rising from the locomotive. Around 500 passengers, many of whom were either asleep or relaxing in their coaches, were suddenly thrown into confusion and fear.
Some passengers began to evacuate with children and elderly companions, as the flames intensified. The situation looked grim until alert railway staff and prompt emergency response came into play.
Swift Action Saved Lives
The train crew immediately disconnected the burning engine from the rest of the rake, ensuring the flames did not spread to passenger coaches. Meanwhile, a fire brigade from Beawar was summoned and arrived swiftly at the scene. In a coordinated effort with railway staff, the fire was brought under control after about 30 minutes of firefighting.
Thanks to this quick response, no injuries or damage to passenger compartments were reported. A replacement engine was arranged shortly after, allowing the train to resume its journey.
Reason and Investigation
Initial reports suggest the fire may have been caused by a technical failure or electrical short-circuit in the engine. Fortunately, the flames remained contained to the locomotive, sparing passenger coaches from any direct threat.
Railway officials and technical teams have begun a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause and assess preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future.
Passenger Reactions and Praise
Passengers, though visibly shaken, expressed gratitude toward the railway staff and fire brigade, many calling them heroes for acting quickly and efficiently. Witnesses praised the coordination and the “alertness that saved hundreds of lives.”
The incident, however, has also sparked renewed concerns about locomotive maintenance, safety checks, and emergency preparedness for long-distance express trains.
About Garib Rath Express
The Garib Rath Express (12216) is a popular long-distance, fully air-conditioned express train known for offering affordable travel options. It serves thousands of passengers across states each day and has been operational for several years
Major Accident Details
- Incident occurred at 3:00 AM near Sendra Station, Rajasthan
- Engine caught fire due to possible technical fault
- No passenger injuries reported
- Fire doused within 30 minutes
- Replacement engine dispatched and train resumed journey
- Railway has launched a full investigation