The locomotive of Chattogram-bound intercity train Udayan Express caught fire in South Surma upazila of Sylhet on Wednesday night.
The train left Sylhet Railway Station around 10:00pm. As soon as it reached the Shibbari Parairchok area in South Surma, smoke and fire sparks were seen coming out of the engine.
Sensing danger, loco masters immediately stopped the train.
Panic spread among passengers, and some attempted to jump off, though many disembarked safely after the train came to a halt.
Local residents said smoke was suddenly seen coming out of the engine, followed by flames, triggering panic among passengers who rushed to safety.
Sylhet Railway Station Manager Md Nurul Islam said local people quickly rushed to the spot and attempted to bring the fire under control before Fire Service personnel arrived and doused the fire.
Fire Service Warehouse Inspector Tito Shikder said cloth pieces had been mistakenly placed near the engine’s silencer for drying. Due to the engine’s heat during operation, those caught fire.
He said three fire service units worked together to extinguish the flames.
After inspection, the train resumed its journey towards its destination.
Railway authorities said there was no major damage to the engine due to the incident.