Ratlam-Kota MEMU Train: Chaos ensued at Madhya Pradesh’s Mahidpur Road railway station when an overhead electric (OHE) wire suddenly snapped and fell onto the Ratlam-Kota MEMU train (19103). Following the incident, intense sparking occurred atop the engine, accompanied by the sound of repeated explosions. Within moments, flames were visible near the engine, sparking panic among the passengers present at the station. Startled by the sudden blasts and smoke, passengers inside the train abandoned their seats and scrambled to get out. Many rushed towards the platform, creating a stampede-like situation among the passengers already there. Another passenger train was also stationed on an adjacent track at the time; passengers on that train were alarmed by the loud noises and flames, with many disembarking as a precautionary measure.
Bringing the Sparking and Fire Under Control
Shortly thereafter, the power supply was cut off, allowing the sparking and fire to be brought under control. However, the MEMU train’s pantograph was damaged, and some components of the OHE line were also affected. Railway technical staff arrived at the scene immediately and began repairing the damaged wire. Once the necessary work was completed, the train resumed its journey to Kota. The train remained halted at the station for approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes during this process.
Railway authorities stated that it remains unclear whether the wire snapped first or the sparking occurred first. A supervisor-level inquiry committee has been constituted by the Kota Division to investigate the cause of the incident. Eyewitness accounts vary, so the actual cause will only be determined following a technical investigation. Passengers expressed relief that no major accident occurred despite the snapping of the 11,000-volt OHE line. The timely disconnection of the power supply prevented the fire from spreading, and no passengers were struck by sparks or electrocuted.
