Smoke scare on Vande Bharat train: Incident unfolds on Tirupati to Secunderabad route

Hyderabad: Panic ensued among passengers when smoke began to fill a compartment of the Vande Bharat train en route from Tirupati to Secunderabad. Railway personnel promptly reacted, bringing the train to a halt at Manubolu railway station. The incident unfolded on Wednesday evening as the train reached Sri Potti Sriramulu near Manubolu in Nellore district. A minor fire broke out in the third carriage, emitting thick smoke. Alert staff immediately informed the loco pilot, leading to an abrupt application of brakes. However, this action caused the brake drums to impact, reigniting the smoke. Perplexed passengers disembarked when the train stopped. Investigation revealed that a cigarette disposed of in the restroom caused the smoke. Railway police have apprehended an individual on suspicion of smoking. The incident led to a delay of over half an hour at Manubolu station.