Passengers of the Bilaspur-Tata-Danapur link express train had a narrow escape when its luggage van caught fire near Kansbahl station on the Jharsuguda-Rourkela section on Thursday.

There was, however, no casualty as the luggage van was immediately detached from the train, a South Eastern Railway spokesman told PTI.

The incident occurred at 1350 hours IST near Rourkela when the fire was noticed in the luggage van, next to the engine.

The fire was immediately extinguished and the train resumed its journey after being detained for about an hour, he said.

Senior railway officials rushed to the spot, he said, adding the cause of the fire and extent of damage were being ascertained.

On Wednesday a fire broke out in the engine of a Diesel Multiple Unit local train on way to Fazilka from Ferozepure.

All its 400 passengers had a close shave as the driver stopped the train on noticing the fire and evicted the passengers.