Freight train carrying fuel catches minor fire

A small fire broke out on the 6th wagon of the Tirunelveli-BTPN freight train, which was transporting fuel, while it was approaching the Thiruvananthapuram Central station here on Tuesday. The fire appeared to have occurred when a crow was electrocuted by the overhead electric line and fell onto the wagon, resulting in a minor flame on the outer surface of the tank, according to Southern Railway officials.

The Fire Force tenders reached the spot immediately, and the traction power supply was quickly switched off to facilitate safe firefighting. The fire was completely extinguished without delay. Subsequently, the safety wing of the railways inspected the wagon thoroughly. The inspection confirmed that there was no damage, leakage, or safety issue, said the railways.

The tank and the fuel inside were completely safe, as the fuel in the specially designed BTPN wagon is stored inside a sealed steel tank, which prevents any risk from external sparks or minor fires. Train traffic was restored soon after the incident. The incident was a minor external flame, which was fully doused immediately and the wagon’s design ensured complete safety, said the railways.