Alert passenger saves Puja Express from major fire

Ambala, July 10 (UNI) A major tragedy was averted today by the timely action of a passenger who saved the Puja Express on way to Jammu Tavi from going into flames.

The engine of the train, coming from Ajmer, caught fire when it reached Sonepat station. However it remained unnoticed by the driver, guard and the other staff of the train.

The train with flames emanating from its engine crossed Panipat, Karnal and Kurukshetra stations. However, when the train reached a small station, Doda Khera, between Kurukshetra and Ambala, a passenger, Sharanjeet, noticed the flame and immediately pulled the chain at around 0130 hrs.

Following the sudden halt of the train, the railway staff rushed to the spot and detached the engine from the train by opening the couplings. Fire tenders were immediately dispatched from Kurukshetra and Ambala which brought the fire under control.

The passengers, who had startred running away for their safety in the wake of the fire, later expressed deep gratitude to Sharanjeet for saving their lives by pulling the chain on time.

An extra engine was later dispatched from Ambala for the Puja Express which today safely reached Ambala Railway station.

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