Mithilesh Kumar, Rohtas, May 18th 2026: A major railway accident was narrowly averted at Sasaram Junction in Bihar’s Rohtas district after a coach of the Sasaram–Patna passenger train caught fire following an alleged short circuit on Sunday.
The sudden blaze triggered panic among passengers and railway staff present at the station, creating a chaotic situation on the platform. According to initial information, smoke was first noticed coming from the fifth coach attached near the engine while the train was stationed at Sasaram Junction.
Within minutes, the fire spread rapidly and engulfed the entire coach in flames. Eyewitnesses said thick smoke and rising flames caused fear among passengers, leading to panic at the station premises.
Soon after receiving information, Railway Protection Force (RPF) Inspector Sanjeev Kumar, in-charge of the Sasaram post, rushed to the spot and supervised security arrangements. Fire brigade teams were immediately called in, and after intense efforts, firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control.
Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident. Railway officials said timely action by the RPF, station staff and fire department helped prevent a major disaster.
However, the affected coach was completely gutted in the fire. Railway authorities later detached the damaged compartment from the train for further technical examination.
Train operations were temporarily affected following the incident, and officials stated that after safety inspections and technical checks, preparations were made to dispatch the train nearly two hours behind schedule.
Railway authorities have launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fire.
