A coal-laden goods train caught fire in the evening yesterday at Platform No-1 of Soro railway station in Balasore district. Fortunately, a major disaster was averted thanks to the swift response of railway employees.

The fire was first spotted by railway staff while the freight train, loaded with coal from Nergundi route to Durgapur in West Bengal, was passing near Markona railway station. The Station Master at Markona promptly alerted both the Train Manager of the goods train and the Station Master at Soro railway station.

In response to the alert, the goods train was halted at Soro railway station, and the Fire Service was immediately contacted for assistance. Fire Service personnel from Soro Fire Station rushed to the scene and are currently working diligently to bring the blaze under control.