Boiler explodes in Indian Railways' Heritage Train engine

Chapra, Oct 13 (UNI) Minutes after the journey began, the boiler of the engine of Indian Railways' Heritage Special train, exploded at Kachawari station near here today, causing panic but luckily no injuries.

Official sources, quoting eyewitnesses, said as soon as the four-coach train started its journey from the Kachawari at around 1200 hours, carrying Railway Minister Lalu Prasad and other dignitaries, the boiler of the 13-year old steam engine exploded.

A large number of people, who had assembled at the station to catch a glimpse of the special train, began running helter-skelter, mistaking the sound to be that of a bomb.

The entire area was cordoned off by the security forces.

Passengers, including Mr Prasad and the accompanying mediapersons, were taken to a safer area.

Railway fire fighters rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control soon.

However, none was injured.

The partially burnt locomotive was also immediately detached from the Heritage Special.

Later, a diesel engine was brought from Chapra Junction and the special train began its onward journey to Mahora, also in Chapra district, with all the passengers.

An unperturbed Mr Prasad described the mishap as a 'minor issue' and instructed Railway officials to be more cautious.

UNI