Fire on train carrying troopers from poll duty

Paramilitary troopers returning from poll duty in Maharashtra had a providential escape Saturday when a bogey of the train they were travelling in caught fire near Allahabad, officials said.

Three troopers sustained minor burn injuries. Railway officials said the Election Special train was going to Bihar from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai and the 12th bogey from the engine caught fire at a link junction near Chimvaki in Allahabad.

Police said the fire broke out following a leak in a LPG cylinder. As the cylinder caught fire and the blaze started spreading, the troopers threw the burning cylinder out of the coach and used water to douse it.

As soon as the news of the fire was transmitted to railway officials, fire tenders were sent and a relief train was rushed to the site.

Officials said the bogey was completely damaged in the fire. It was detached from the train and taken to the Chimvaki yard in Naini.