Massive fire breaks out on Daund-Pune DEMU train due to short circuit

Panic gripped passengers aboard a shuttle Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train traveling from Pune to Daund on Monday when a fire broke out mid-journey. The blaze, which is believed to have been triggered by a short circuit in the train’s toilet, led to a dramatic rescue effort.

 

According to eyewitness accounts, a man became trapped inside the toilet after the door reportedly jammed. As thick smoke began to emerge and the man’s desperate cries rang out, several alert co-passengers acted swiftly. They smashed the toilet door open, pulling the man out just in time and preventing a potential fatality.

 

Fire and railway officials praised the timely response of the passengers, noting that the quick action likely saved the individual’s life.

 

This latest incident comes months after a similar fire scare at Chhattisgarh’s Durg Railway Station, where an AC coach of an empty passenger train caught fire while stationed in the yard. That blaze, though resulting in no casualties, was intense enough to completely gut one coach. The smoke column was visible from a significant distance.

 

Firefighters, assisted by railway staff, responded immediately, deploying three fire engines and bringing the situation under control within 30 minutes.

 

Railway officials have initiated inquiries into both incidents and emphasized the need for improved electrical safety audits and emergency readiness aboard passenger trains.