200 Vehicles Burned in Massive Fire at Varanasi Railway Station Parking Lot

A significant fire erupted in the vehicle parking area of Varanasi's Cantt Railway Station, damaging around 200 two-wheelers early Saturday morning, with initial investigations hinting at a short circuit as the possible cause.

P24 News Media

November 30, 2024

1 minute

200 Vehicles Burned in Massive Fire at Varanasi Railway Station Parking Lot

India

In the early hours of Saturday, a devastating fire broke out in the parking area of Varanasi's Cantt railway station in Uttar Pradesh, resulting in extensive damage to approximately 200 two-wheelers. Eyewitness visuals captured the intensity of the blaze, with thick smoke billowing into the air as fire brigade personnel and local police worked tirelessly to control the situation.

Initial reports indicate that the fire may have been triggered by a short circuit. The incident occurred around midnight when a railway employee left his bike parked in the lot. He recounted that a short circuit had previously occurred around 11 PM but was resolved. Tragically, only hours later, another passenger alerted him to the raging fire. He managed to save his bike by relocating it to another area before the flames engulfed the parking lot.

Around 12 fire brigade vehicles responded promptly to the scene, alongside forces from the Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and local law enforcement. Their concerted efforts were crucial in extinguishing the fire, which took nearly two hours to bring under control. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries from this alarming incident.

Authorities confirmed that many of the affected vehicles belonged to railway staff, marking a significant loss for those who rely on their two-wheelers for daily commuting to work. The GRP, led by CO Kunwar Bahadur Singh, is launching a comprehensive investigation into the cause and implications of the fire. “We are looking into the situation further to ensure that safety protocols are strengthened and similar incidents do not recur,” he stated.

This unfortunate event highlights the challenges faced by infrastructure in managing safety hazards effectively, especially in places like railway stations where a large number of vehicles are parked. The railway department is expected to enhance monitoring and maintenance of electrical systems to mitigate fire risks in the future.

As the investigation continues, the railway authorities are appealing to the public for any information that might assist in understanding how such a significant fire could ignite so rapidly in a high-traffic area. They are also reviewing security measures to prevent similar occurrences in all railway properties across the state.

In conclusion, while the fire has left behind a scene of destruction, it serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and rapid response in emergencies. The railway station is expected to resume normal operations shortly, with officials ensuring that all safety measures are put in place to protect commuters and staff alike.