Smoke emanates from Bhubaneswar-Sonepur Intercity Express Train at Mancheswar station, triggers panic

Passengers were left gasping for air after smoke started emanating from the wheels of an AC coach in Bhubaneswar-Sonepur Intercity Express sparking panic in Bhubaneswar. The incident happened near Mancheshwar Station, prompting an immediate halt of the train on Wednesday.

Fortunately, the alert train driver promptly brought the train to a halt, averting a potential disaster. The rapid response by the train operators averted a major potential hazard.

According to sources, the Bhubaneswar-Sonepur Intercity Express was near Mancheswar Statation when  smoke was observed emanating from the wheels of its air-conditioned (AC) coach. Upon noticing the smoke, vigilant train operators took the necessary steps to stop the train.

As word of a possible fire spread among passengers, there was a swift and orderly evacuation. Despite the uncertainty, no injuries were reported. The train experienced an unexpected delay as passengers were panicked after the smoke. The train was held up for approximately 30 minutes, adding to the concern of commuters who regularly rely on this route.

Officials from the East Coast Railways confirmed that the issue was swiftly addressed, allowing the train to continue safely towards its destination. They assured the public that safety measures are a top priority and that any potential faults are carefully scrutinised to prevent recurrence.

The  East Coast Railways has assured that, following the completion of repairs, the train resumed its journey safely towards its destination, causing minimal delay for the passengers.

A spokesperson for East Coast Railways confirmed the incident, saying, “The swift actions of our train operators ensured the safety of all passengers, and services were restored promptly.” They added that such incidents, while rare, are handled with the utmost priority to minimise inconvenience.