LUDHIANA, June 7 -- A sleeper coach of the Delhi Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Special train developed a crack and partially separated near the toilet area shortly after the train began moving from the Ludhiana railway station on Saturday, triggering panic among passengers.

The S-2 coach of the train suffered a structural failure causing a portion near the toilets to cave in, officials said. Toilet fittings including seats, fell onto the tracks as the coach body gave way, officials said.

No passenger was hurt in the incident, they said. Passengers said they felt a sudden and violet jolt as the train started moving, prompting fears of derailment, following which several people rushed out immediately. Railway officials and emergency teams ...