By Vishwapati
Patna: Panic erupted aboard the Bihar Sampark Kranti Express train near Siho, Bihar, today after smoke was reported emanating from one of its bogies. The incident, caused by a brake malfunction, prompted the driver to halt the train immediately, averting potential disaster.
The chaos unfolded near Repura railway gate number 85C, close to Siho railway station on the Muzaffarpur-Samastipur route. Passengers onboard the overcrowded train—packed ahead of the upcoming Holi festivities—leapt from carriages in alarm as smoke billowed from beneath a coach. The train, numbered 12566 and en route from Delhi to Samastipur via Muzaffarpur, remained stationary for several hours while officials addressed the issue.
Local railway staff swiftly arrived at the scene and identified the cause as a brake binding, which was subsequently repaired. Following the clearance, the service resumed its journey to its destination.
Authorities confirmed that the swift response by the driver and crew prevented a major accident.
(The author, Vishwapati, is a senior journalist based in Patna. He may be contacted at vishwapati25@gmail.com)
