Pune, June 16 (PTI) A minor fire incident occurred on Monday morning aboard the Daund-Pune shuttle train, originating from a passenger allegedly discarding a lit cigarette in the lavatory's dustbin. This led to panic among travelers, according to police reports. The fire was swiftly extinguished, ensuring no injuries were reported, with the event taking place near Yavat in Pune district around 8 am, as per an official from Daund railway police station.
A 55-year-old individual, seemingly exhibiting signs of mental instability, has been detained concerning the incident and handed over to law enforcement authorities, a railway spokesperson revealed. The train experienced a 20-minute delay at Yavat station because of this occurrence, railway officials noted.
The shuttle service, operating daily between Daund town and Pune city, spans nearly 75 km and includes seven intermediate stations. Initial insights suggest the conflict arose when a Madhya Pradesh passenger disposed of a 'bidi' (hand-rolled thin cigarette) in a dustbin onboard the Daund-Pune DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) train after consuming it, triggering the fire, according to the police official.
"The incident happened around 8 am. Paper and other waste materials in the bin ignited, producing smoke that rapidly filled the lavatory, sending passengers into a state of alarm," the official stated. At that time, only a few travelers were present in that coach. The fire was urgently put out, ensuring no casualties, the official confirmed. Railway officials reiterated that the train's detention lasted 20 minutes at Yavat station.
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