June 16, 2025: A routine journey turned into a terrifying ordeal on Monday when a fire broke out aboard a shuttle Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train traveling from Pune to Daund. The blaze, caused by a suspected short circuit, originated in one of the train’s toilets — with a passenger trapped inside.
According to eyewitnesses, smoke began billowing from the toilet around mid-journey. Passengers were alarmed by the sight and the sounds of someone screaming for help from inside the locked compartment. Realizing the urgency, a few alert commuters rushed to the scene, broke open the toilet door, and rescued the individual — just in the nick of time.
“There was smoke everywhere and we heard a man crying out for help. A group of us immediately forced the door open. He was unconscious and coughing. It was a very close call,” said one passenger.
“The incident occurred around 8 am. There were papers and other trash in the bin, which caught fire, resulting in smoke billowing from the toilet and causing panic among passengers,” said an official from Daund railway police station.
A 55-year-old person was detained in connection with the incident, a railway spokesperson said.
According to preliminary information, a passenger from Madhya Pradesh allegedly threw a ‘bidi’ into a dustbin of the Daund-Pune DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) train after smoking, which led to the fire, the police official said.
Railway officials confirmed that the fire was likely the result of an electrical short circuit in the toilet. Thankfully, no fatalities occurred. The train was brought to a halt and emergency response teams quickly arrived on site. The fire was brought under control shortly after.
This incident follows a similar episode earlier this year, when a fire erupted in the AC coach of an empty passenger train parked at Durg Railway Station in Chhattisgarh. That blaze, though intense, also resulted in no casualties.
A total of three fire engines were deployed in the Pune incident, and one of the coaches suffered significant damage. The Indian Railways has launched an investigation to identify the precise cause and assess damage.
Advisory for Travelers:
Passengers are urged to report unusual smells, smoke, or sparks immediately and cooperate with railway staff in emergencies. Indian Railways is reviewing safety protocols for DEMU and other passenger trains.