Hyderabad: Vande Bharat Express engulfed in smoke as passenger lit cigarette in train washroom
A ticketless passenger on board the Vande Bharat Express triggered an emergency stop after indulging in a cigarette during the train journey.
Hyderabad: A ticketless passenger on board the Vande Bharat Express sparked chaos and triggered an emergency stop after indulging in a cigarette during the train journey.
The incident unfolded as the high-speed train was en route from Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh to Secunderabad. Crossing Gudur and with over eight hours left until its destination, the train was thrown into disarray by the actions of an unauthorized passenger.
This individual had managed to board the train without a valid ticket and took refuge inside a restroom. While he might have enjoyed a cost-free ride, his craving for a cigarette led to his downfall. Unaware of the fire alarms equipped within the train, the passenger lit up a cigarette within the restroom. This triggered immediate alarms and activated an automatic fire extinguisher, releasing aerosol throughout the compartment.
The sudden alarm and aerosol dispersion caused panic among the passengers. Swift action was taken as passengers used the emergency phone within the compartment to alert the train guards.
Railway Police officials promptly intervened, using a fire extinguisher to break open the restroom’s window. Inside, they discovered the passenger whose smoking escapade had not only brought the train to a standstill but also necessitated a full-fledged rescue operation. The individual was detained at Nellore for further legal proceedings. The train resumed its journey after the issue was resolved.
Video footage captured the aftermath, revealing aerosol particles in the coach and a shattered window, a clear testament to the panic that had gripped the passengers.
An official from the South Central Railway (SCR) Zone said, “A passenger boarded the train from Tirupati and locked himself in the toilet of the C-13 coach. He smoked inside the toilet which resulted in the automatic activation of an aerosol fire extinguisher inside the toilet.”
One more video from the train 2/2 pic.twitter.com/Lwoj3Au3AK
— Krishnamurthy (@krishna0302) August 9, 2023
