A tragic incident occurred at Muzaffarpur junction involving the death of a Railway Protection Force (RPF) jawan, Binod Kumar Yadav, while attempting to extinguish a fire in the sleeper coach of the Valsad-Muzaffarpur (19051) Shramik Express. The fire reportedly started due to a short circuit after all passengers had disembarked. When Yadav used a fire extinguisher to tackle the blaze, the extinguisher exploded, causing severe injuries to him.
Amresh Kumar, the principal chief security commissioner of East Central Railway (ECR), confirmed that the incident occurred around 7 am. Yadav sustained critical injuries when the fire extinguisher exploded, striking his face. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
The explosion created panic at the railway station, prompting immediate response from fire tenders to address the situation. Inspector Surendra Prasad Singh, a fire official from Samastipur, attributed the blast to the contractor's negligence in maintaining the fire extinguishers, noting that improper pressure testing could lead to such incidents.
The ECR Chief Public Relation Officer (CPRO), Birendra Kumar, emphasized that sabotage was not suspected, classifying the incident as a mishap. An official enquiry has been initiated by the Railways to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Forensic examinations of evidence collected from the site will be pivotal in shedding light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
- Age and Condition of the Fire Extinguisher: The age and overall condition of the fire extinguisher might have played a role. Over time, fire extinguishers can degrade and become less reliable if not properly maintained or replaced when necessary.
- Improper Storage or Handling: Incorrect storage or mishandling of the fire extinguisher could have contributed to its deterioration. Exposure to extreme temperatures, moisture, or physical damage can weaken the components of the extinguisher.
- Inadequate Pressure Testing: If the fire extinguisher was not regularly pressure tested as per safety standards, it could have retained excessive pressure, increasing the risk of failure and explosion during use.
- Lack of Training on Equipment Inspection: Insufficient training and awareness among railway personnel regarding the importance of inspecting firefighting equipment for signs of damage or deterioration could have led to oversight in identifying the risks associated with the fire extinguisher.
- Regulatory Compliance Issues: The incident highlights potential gaps in regulatory oversight concerning fire safety standards within the railway industry. More stringent enforcement of regulations related to equipment maintenance and contractor responsibilities may be needed.
- Emergency Response Procedures: Evaluating the effectiveness of emergency procedures, including the availability and accessibility of firefighting equipment, is crucial for preventing similar incidents in the future.
- Foreseeability and Risk Assessment: The incident prompts a re-evaluation of risk assessment practices to identify and mitigate potential hazards associated with firefighting equipment and ensure the safety of railway personnel and passengers.
Recommendations for Improvement:
- Conduct thorough and regular inspections of firefighting equipment, including fire extinguishers.
- Implement a procedure to check for signs of corrosion, rust, or any other form of degradation that could compromise the effectiveness and safety of the equipment.
- Ensure that all damaged or compromised equipment is promptly removed from service and replaced.
- Provide comprehensive training on equipment inspection to all personnel responsible for fire safety and response.
- Emphasize the importance of reporting and addressing equipment issues promptly to prevent potential hazards.
- Train staff to recognize signs of equipment deterioration and the associated risks.
- Revise existing safety Procedure to include specific guidelines for inspecting and maintaining firefighting equipment.
- Develop procedures for swiftly identifying and addressing equipment failures or deficiencies.
- Reinforce the importance of adhering to established safety procedure and reporting any deviations or concerns immediately.
- Review procurement practices to ensure that firefighting equipment procured meets stringent quality standards.
- Establish partnerships with reputable suppliers and manufacturers to guarantee the reliability and durability of firefighting equipment.
- Integrate equipment condition assessments into routine risk assessments and emergency preparedness plans.
- Identify critical points of failure within firefighting systems and implement measures to mitigate associated risks.
