Bengaluru: DEMU train engine catches fire near Hoodi, alert guard averts tragedy

BENGALURU: An alert guard in a train averted a major accident after the engine of 76508 DEMU train from Bangarpet to Bangalore Cantonment caught fire near Hoodi halt station in Whitefield on Saturday. The train was entering Hoodi halt station at 5.38pm when the guard, Mukesh Kumar, noticed smoke emanating from a part of the guard van. He immediately alerted the loco pilot and stopped the train.
“Smoke started from the rectifier panel near battery. Kumar, along with loco pilots V Rama Rao and M Balakrishna, who arrived on the other platform, used nine fire extinguishers to control the flames. Passengers were shifted to other coaches,” said E Vijaya, chief public relations officer of South Western Railway.
Personnel of the Karnataka State Fire And Emergency Services Department were also pressed in duty. There were no casualties. The train commenced its journey after two hours.
“Guard of the train averted a serious tragedy with his promptness and great presence of mind. He was assisted by loco pilot and assistant loco pilot” said Vijaya.
Short circuit is suspected to have caused smoke from the engine. An investigation in the incident is on.