In a concerning incident that unfolded on Monday morning, a minor fire broke out in the lavatory of the Daund-Pune shuttle train, causing panic among passengers. The incident occurred around 8:00 AM near Yevat in Maharashtra's Pune district. While no injuries were reported, the fire incident has once again raised alarm over unsafe passenger behavior and onboard fire hazards.
Fire Breaks Out in Moving DEMU Train Near Yevat
According to officials from the Daund Railway Police Station, the fire was reported in a lavatory of the Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) train, which operates between Daund and Pune. The train was in motion when smoke began to emerge from the lavatory area, sending passengers into a brief state of panic.
The source of the fire was identified as the lavatory dustbin, which contained paper waste and other flammable trash. The fire triggered a thick cloud of smoke that quickly spread within the compartment, raising immediate concern among onboard passengers.
Bidi Disposal Suspected as Cause of Fire
Authorities swiftly investigated the incident and detained a 55-year-old male passenger from Madhya Pradesh in connection with the blaze. Preliminary findings indicate that the man allegedly smoked a bidi—a traditional Indian hand-rolled cigarette—and improperly disposed of the lit bidi into the lavatory dustbin. The smoldering bidi reportedly came into contact with flammable waste material, sparking the fire.
“Smoke began billowing from the lavatory, leading to panic among those onboard,” said an official from the railway police. “Thankfully, the situation was brought under control promptly.”
Quick Response Helped Avert Major Disaster
Fortunately, railway staff acted swiftly and efficiently. The fire was extinguished before it could spread further or cause injuries. The coach in which the incident occurred had only a few passengers, which helped prevent stampede-like situations or crowding that might have complicated evacuation or firefighting efforts.
Visuals captured shortly after the fire broke out showed dense smoke engulfing the lavatory area, further underscoring how a seemingly small act of negligence could have led to a much more severe outcome.
Pune, Maharashtra: A sudden fire broke out in one of the coaches of a DEMU train traveling from Daund to Pune. The blaze quickly engulfed a significant portion of the coach. No injuries were reported and all passengers are safe. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined pic.twitter.com/Su5RWZ79hp— IANS (@ians_india) June 16, 2025
Passenger Safety and Fire Prevention: Authorities Issue Advisory
In the aftermath of the incident, both the railway police and Indian Railways authorities reiterated their warnings against smoking onboard trains, especially within enclosed areas like lavatories. Officials emphasized that such careless actions endanger not just the individual, but hundreds of fellow passengers.
“We urge all passengers to strictly avoid smoking or engaging in any activity that could potentially endanger lives or property on board,” said a railway spokesperson. “Railways has a zero-tolerance policy towards unsafe behavior during travel.”
Railway authorities are continuing their probe into the incident and reviewing CCTV footage where available. The detained passenger is being questioned, and further legal action may be taken depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Fire on DEMU Train: A Wake-Up Call for Passenger Responsibility
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by negligent behavior on public transport, particularly in high-density travel corridors like Pune-Daund. The swift response by railway personnel averted what could have turned into a major tragedy. However, the event has reignited discussions around the need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols, onboard surveillance, and passenger awareness campaigns.
The fire onboard the Daund-Pune shuttle train due to a bidi discarded in a lavatory dustbin was a minor incident with no injuries, but it could have had devastating consequences. It highlights the urgent need for passenger vigilance and adherence to onboard safety regulations. As train travel continues to be one of India's most vital transportation lifelines, such events underscore the importance of proactive safety measures and public awareness to ensure secure and smooth journeys for all.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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