Two coaches of Samastipur-Saharsa MEMU train catch fire in Bihar, none hurt
A fire broke out in two coaches of the Samastipur-Saharsa MEMU train in Bihar, but all passengers were safely evacuated with no injuries reported. An inquiry has been launched to determine the cause of the incident.
Why it matters
The incident raises concerns regarding railway safety and maintenance standards in India's public transport network.
Fire engulfed two coaches of the Samastipur-Saharsa MEMU train at Simri Bakhtiyarpur station in Bihar's Saharsa district on Monday (August 3, 2026) morning, officials said.
Speaking to PTI , East Central Railway (ECR) Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Saraswati Chandra said, "As 63344 Samastipur-Saharsa MEMU arrived at Simri Bakhtiyarpur station around 3 a.m., the station master reported a fire in the motor coach of the train." "The fire soon spread to another coach. As the blaze could not be controlled using fire extinguishers, fire tenders were called in. All passengers were safely deboarded and the overhead equipment (OHE) was switched off. Eventually, the fire was extinguished at 5.50 am. No casualties were reported," he added.
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