VARKALA: A major tragedy was averted when passengers pulled the emergency chain after fire broke out at Mangalore-Thiruvananthapuram Malabar Express. The fire broke out at the parcel bogie behind the engine. The train is stationed at Edava in Varkala. The incident happened at 7.45 am Sunday morning.

The fire was first noticed by the passengers. They immediately stopped the train by pulling the emergency chain and then informed the authorities. All passengers were evicted from the train. Fire force personnel reached the spot and doused the flames. No casualty has been reported. Three bikes which were in the bogie have been destroyed in the fire.