Bihar train fire at Simri Bakhtiyarpur station, passengers escape unharmed

A fire erupted around 3 a.m. on the Samastipur‑Saharsa passenger train (number 63344) at Simri Bakhtiyarpur railway station in Bihar’s Saharsa district. The blaze started in the engine area and quickly spread to two adjacent coaches, engulfing them in flames. All passengers were evacuated safely and no casualties were reported.

Fire‑tenders and railway staff fought the fire for about two hours before it was extinguished. Train services on the Samastipur‑Saharsa route were disrupted for roughly two hours, causing delays to several other services such as the Kosi Express, Janaki Express and Shravani Special. Railway officials, including East Central Railway public‑relations officer Saraswati Chandra, have launched an inquiry; a short‑circuit or technical fault near the battery box is being investigated as a possible cause.

Passengers described the scene as chaotic, with thick smoke and high flames, but praised the swift response that averted any loss of life.