22 October,2010 06:58 AM IST | | Salil Urunkar
Disaster averted on train as engine driver shows presence of mind
Several lives were saved as Railways and fire officials brought the engine ofu00a0 Latur-Mumbai express train that caught fire under control in the wee hours yesterday. No injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.
The Latur-Mumbai express train had reached Ghorpadi station around 4.15 am. It was heading towards Mumbai and on its way just before Hadapsar railway station it caught fire. Exact reason behind the fire could not be ascertained as the entire engine was burnt down, said fire officials.
"We got the call around 4.30 am. We immediately separated the engine and rest of the bogies and brought the fire under control," said Fire officer Bhilare. "Fear had gripped the passengers who were in their sleep and woke up out of the blue to realise that they had luckily escaped death."
According to railway officials, the driver showed presence of mind and stopped the train between Ghorpadi-Hadapsar railway stations. He immediately contacted the station master and informed him about the incident.
After the fire was doused, another engine was brought from Ghorpadi station and was attached to the train.
Later the train was allowed to go to Mumbai.
