Rajnandgaon: A potential major rail accident was averted on the Durg-Rajnandgaon-Gondia section thanks to the alertness and prompt action of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel aboard the Darbhanga-Charlapalli Express (Train No. 17008). When smoke was spotted rising from beneath two AC coaches during the journey, the escort team immediately pulled the emergency chain to bring the train to a safe halt and brought the situation under control using fire extinguishers. No passengers were injured in the incident. The incident occurred on August 5, while RPF Head Constable Aniruddh Paswan and Constable Devendra Singh were on escort duty between Durg and Gondia. While traveling between the Gudma and Gondia sections, both personnel detected a strong odor resembling burning brakes.
Upon suspicion, they conducted an immediate inspection and observed thick smoke billowing from beneath AC coaches B-07 and B-03, raising fears of a potential accident. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the escort team promptly pulled the emergency chain, safely stopping the train at kilometer marker 996/14-15. Simultaneously, they alerted the AC mechanic, TTE, Assistant Loco Pilot, and Guard, initiating relief and safety measures.
As soon as the train stopped, the RPF personnel used the fire extinguishers available on the affected coaches to quickly bring the smoke and fire situation under control. Passenger safety was ensured throughout the operation, and no panic ensued. Timely intervention averted a major disaster. Following the incident, the train arrived at Gondia station at 12:13 PM. There, officials from the Mechanical Department and the RPF conducted a joint inspection of the affected coaches. During the technical assessment, the brakes on both coaches were isolated, and necessary safety checks were performed. After all tests yielded satisfactory results, the train was safely cleared to proceed to its onward destination.
