A fire broke out in the engine of the Tungipara Express train near the Bheramara railway station in Kushtia, causing the train to halt suddenly. Thanks to the prompt action of locals, fire service personnel, and railway staff, a major disaster was averted, and no casualties were reported.
The incident occurred on Sunday (October 12) at 5:25 PM when the Rajshahi-bound Tungipara Express, en route to Gopalganj, was crossing the area between rail pillars 189/0 and 190/0, just past the northern railway gate of Bheramara. The engine’s compressor suddenly caught fire, producing thick black smoke and rendering the engine inoperative.
According to Rajib Kumar Biswas, station master at Bheramara Railway Station, the engine caught fire just before entering Bheramara station. The train came to a halt immediately. Railway staff, along with the train driver and supervisor, in cooperation with local residents, worked to control the fire. Bheramara Fire Service teams later arrived and fully extinguished the blaze.
Due to the incident, the engine was disabled, and the station’s down line (Line 2) was blocked. However, the up line (Line 1) remained operational, allowing other trains to run normally.
A relief engine was dispatched from Ishwardi and arrived after nearly three hours. The Tungipara Express resumed its journey towards Gopalganj at 8:20 PM.
Shariful Islam, station master at the Bheramara fire station, confirmed that locals had spotted the fire early and immediately alerted the station authorities. However, the driver’s quick response and awareness helped contain the fire before it could cause further damage. Fortunately, no passengers were injured, and the rest of the train remained unaffected.
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