In a startling incident that unfolded aboard the Vande Bharat Express, a passenger was apprehended on Wednesday for his reckless actions that led to the activation of the fire alarm system. The individual, who had locked himself inside one of the train’s restrooms, was caught smoking a ‘bidi’ (an Indian hand-rolled cigarette), setting off a series of events that resulted in chaos and temporary disruption.
The incident occurred on the Tirupati-Secunderabad route, as the train made its way with passengers on board. The accused, having boarded at Tirupati, took refuge in the toilet of the C-13 coach, where he proceeded to light the bidi. Little did he anticipate the consequences of his actions as the aerosol fire extinguisher within the restroom was triggered by the smoke, leading to the rapid activation of the fire alarm system.
Videos capturing the incident swiftly spread across social media platforms, depicting a smoke-filled cabin and the orderly evacuation of passengers from the train. The swift and coordinated response of the train staff and authorities ensured the safety of all on board. The Railway Police Force promptly took control of the situation, detaining the accused passenger at Nellore.
This reckless act not only endangered the lives of fellow passengers but also resulted in considerable inconvenience. The Vande Bharat Express had to be brought to a halt for approximately thirty minutes as authorities assessed the situation and took necessary actions to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
Divisional Railway Manager Vijayawada addressed the incident via Twitter, shedding light on the unfolding events. He confirmed that the fire alarm had automatically activated in response to the detection of smoke within the C-13 coach’s restroom. Further measures in accordance with the Railways Act are set to be undertaken against the accused, who was reportedly traveling without a valid ticket.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations and showing responsibility while traveling on trains. The Indian Railways continues to emphasize the significance of maintaining a secure and hazard-free environment for passengers. As investigations proceed and actions are taken, it is hoped that such incidents will remain isolated and that passengers will remain vigilant and considerate of their fellow travelers.
