Date:04/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/04/stories/2008120459600300.htm

New Delhi

Karnataka Express coaches catch fire

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Four coaches of the Bangalore-bound Karnataka Express were damaged in a fire on Wednesday, hours before its departure from New Delhi railway station. No casualties were reported.

According to Northern Railway spokesperson R. Saxena, the fire started around 3-30 p.m. and damaged two coaches on the engine side and two on the rear while the train was stationed at the stabling yard situated between Platform 7 and 8 at the station. “No passengers or staff were present in the train at the time of the incident and no one was injured. The station staff immediately alerted the Fire Department and fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the blaze,” he added.

The train, which was to depart at 9-15 p.m. for Bangalore on Wednesday night, had arrived at the station from Bangalore around 11 a.m. It finally left after 10 p.m.

“The Delhi Division of Northern Railway will be giving a report on the cause of the incident in a few days,” Mr. Saxena said.