A significant fire erupted in an LHB sleeper coach stationed at the Matunga Carshed around 3:10 pm, prompting a swift response from fire officials. Emergency teams rushed to the site and managed to contain the blaze by 4:00 pm, stopping it from spreading further. Authorities stated that nearly 70 percent of the upper section of the coach suffered damage due to the fire, while the equipment installed beneath the coach remained unharmed. As a precautionary step, the affected coach was immediately moved to an isolated area, ensuring no nearby coaches or workshop facilities were impacted during the incident.
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Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported, offering relief despite the alarming situation. Initial investigations suggest that welding work was being carried out near the toilet section on the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus side of the coach when the fire broke out. Sparks generated during the welding process are suspected to have ignited flammable materials present nearby. Authorities further noted that strong winds, combined with the non-air-conditioned design of the sleeper coach, may have accelerated the spread of the flames, raising concerns about safety practices during maintenance work.
The incident has occurred shortly after another fire was reported at an offshore facility operated by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation at Mumbai High. That fire broke out around 5:45 pm at the SHP platform, leaving 10 personnel with minor injuries. According to ONGC, emergency response teams acted quickly to control the situation. All injured individuals are currently stable and receiving treatment, and operations at the facility have since resumed, though the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.
These consecutive incidents have once again drawn attention to the importance of strict safety measures across critical infrastructure. While inquiries are ongoing to determine the precise causes, authorities are expected to review existing protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The back-to-back fire incidents have underscored the need for enhanced monitoring and adherence to safety guidelines, particularly during maintenance operations and in high-risk zones, to ensure the protection of both personnel and essential assets.