Fuel-laden goods train catches fire in Kottayam

KOTTAYAM: Train traffic was disrupted for an hour after a boggy of a running goods train carrying petrol wagons caught fire here on Friday.The incident occurred at around 1.35 pm near Kottayam railway station. The traffic, which had been disrupted for an hour, was restored by 2.30 pm, said railway officials. Primary evidence suggested that an electric spark might have led to the fire.The train, carrying petrol wagons of the Indian Oil Corporation, was bound to Thirunelvely from Irumpanam petroleum filling station, near Kochi.One of the tops of the 10th wagon from engine was caught fire with a blasting sound when the train reached near the Nagambodam foot-over bridge, an eyewitness said. The pedestrians first spotted the fire and informed the officials and fire tender units.Two units of fire tenders from Kottayam unit rushed to the spot and doused off the fire when the train halted at the station. Meanwhile, the railway officials disconnected the wagon on fire and removed it from the platform for a detailed investigation.The train had cumulative load of 3964 tonne petrol stored in its 51 wagons. According to officials, a major accident was evaded as the train was approaching the station in a slow pace. “Primary evidence suggests that an electric spark might have led to the fire,” said Fire and safety unit station officer Sayed Muhammed.