Panic spread at Howrah station on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, when smoke was spotted in a coach of the Howrah-Raxaul Mithila Express (Train No. 13021). The incident happened at Platform Number 8 shortly before the train was scheduled to depart for Raxaul. Railway staff acted quickly to manage the situation and ensure passenger safety.
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What happened on Platform Number 8
Smoke was seen coming from the toilet of a general coach, identified as LS coach number ER 247929. Passengers became scared and rushed out of the coach immediately. Senior railway officials, RPF, and railway police reached the spot to control the situation. Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM) and PRO Hari Narayan Gangopadhyay stated that there was no actual fire, only smoke, and the situation was under control within minutes.
Key details of the incident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Train Name | Howrah-Raxaul Mithila Express (13021) |
| Date of Incident | May 19, 2026 |
| Location | Platform No. 8, Howrah Station |
| Affected Coach | General Coach (LS ER 247929) |
| Casualties | None |
| Action Taken | Coach replaced with a new one |
Investigation and clues found
The Railway Ministry has started a probe into the matter. During the search, a half-burnt cloth soaked in petrol was recovered from the coach. This has led officials to suspect that some antisocial elements may have tried to create panic. To get more evidence, forensic teams and sniffer dogs were deployed to examine the coach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Did the Mithila Express catch fire at Howrah station?
According to official statements, there was no actual fire, but smoke was seen in the toilet of a general coach on May 19, 2026.
Were there any casualties in the incident?
No passengers or railway staff were injured or killed during the incident.