Kolkata: Fire breaks out on Metro train

A fire broke out on a Kolkata Metro train between two stations on Thursday evening causing major panic among passengers. However, there have been no casualties so far and the flames were doused by the Metro staff. At least 11 passengers fell ill due to smoke and panic.

According to Kolkata Metro officials, the incident took place between the Rabindra Sadan Metro station and Maidan Metro station at around 5 pm.

"There was an incident of fire between Rabindra Sadan and Maidan. The fire has been put off by our staff with water from fire hydrants, " a senior Kolkata Metro Official said.

She also said that passengers have been evacuated and there is no reason for panic.

According to Kolkata Metro officials, personnel from the West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services and Kolkata Police Disaster Management Group are at the spot and are overseeing operations.

Some of the passengers even had to smash the glass windows of the compartment to escape the smoke.

Several passengers alleged that even after the flames were spotted the train kept running.

"Even though the nearby station was at a stone's throw distance we were stuck in the compartment for nearly an hour," said a passenger.

Several passengers broke down in tears after being rescued and said that it was a close call for them.

"I thought we were not going to survive this," said an elderly passenger as she hugged her son.

The incident resulted in Metro Services being disrupted for several hours.