A tragic incident in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district claimed at least 12 lives and left nearly seven others injured after passengers jumped off the Pushpak Express, only to be hit by the Karnataka Express on a parallel track. The accident occurred on Wednesday when passengers, alarmed by rumors of a fire aboard the Pushpak Express, tried to escape the train. The Pushpak Express, traveling from Lucknow to Mumbai, was nearing Jalgaon when fears of a fire spread, leading passengers to pull the emergency chain and evacuate the train.
Panic Leads to Fatal Mistake
The chaos began when sparks, potentially caused by a hot axle or brake-binding, led passengers to believe a fire had broken out in one of the train’s coaches. A railway official confirmed that when the emergency chain was pulled, many passengers rushed to exit the train. As they jumped off, they landed directly onto the parallel track, where the Karnataka Express, traveling from Bengaluru to Delhi, struck them.
Maharashtra Government Responds to the Crisis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his deep condolences, calling the incident “painful” and vowed to support the victims’ families. Eight ambulances were dispatched to the scene, and local hospitals were put on high alert to treat the injured. Fadnavis also announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of those who perished in the tragedy. District and railway authorities are coordinating efforts to ensure medical care for the victims.
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🇮🇳 Maharashtra Train Tragedy:
12 dead in India after fire rumors caused passengers to jump from a train and into the path of another. A heartbreaking loss.#India #TrainAccident pic.twitter.com/ZJkoOL9Q0j
— Cyrus (@Cyrus_In_The_X) January 22, 2025
Condolences and Assistance from Other States
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended his condolences, offering prayers for the deceased and a speedy recovery for the injured. He directed relevant authorities to ensure the injured receive proper treatment and that the affected families are given all necessary support. The incident has left the nation in shock, highlighting the dangers of panic during emergencies.
