Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed grief over the tragic Jalgaon train accident on Wednesday, in which 12 people died and 6 others were injured. The minister directed the railways to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured. He collected information from the Railway Board chief and other officials, according to Central Railways.
Initial reports stated that 11 people had died, but Jalgaon Superintendent of Police Maheshwar Reddy confirmed that one more person had been confirmed dead, raising the death toll to 12.
The passengers of the Pushpak Express had stepped outside their coaches due to a suspected fire on the train. While outside, the Karnataka Express passed through the adjacent track, striking several passengers.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a Rs 5 lakh ex gratia payment to the families of the victims and assured that all medical expenses for the injured would be covered.
“The state government will provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those who died in the unfortunate accident in Jalgaon district, and the state government will also bear the entire expenses of the injured. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the CM said in a video posted on his X account while attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with CM Fadnavis to assess the situation. Shah also took to social media to assure that local authorities were providing all possible help to the injured.
“The train accident in Jalgaon, Maharashtra is extremely sad. I spoke to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in this regard and got information about the accident. The local administration is providing all possible help to the injured,” Shah’s post read.
Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan also expressed his condolences, describing the passengers’ deaths as “unfortunate.”
“Extremely saddened to know about the unfortunate death of some passengers after they were hit by another train near Jalgaon. Convey my condolences to the next of those who lost their lives. Wishing speedy recovery to the injured,” Radhakrishnan posted on X.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also condoled the loss of lives in the train accident.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed sorrow over the tragedy and called for strict action against those spreading rumors.
“We wish for the speedy recovery of the injured. The government and administration are requested to provide immediate and appropriate compensation to the victims and take strict action against those guilty of spreading rumors. Congress leaders and workers should provide all possible help to the affected families in this hour of grief,” Kharge said.
Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole blamed the union government for the rising number of rail accidents in the country.
“If we notice, rail accidents in the country have increased since the Modi government has come. The Kavach system has also failed to work… Even though prices of rail tickets have increased, the cost of the lives of people has decreased? Till when will this go on? This is very unfortunate. If the Modi government keeps true to their words, then he should immediately resign….” Patole said.
A helpline number and emergency booth were also set up by the railways at Lucknow station to provide up-to-date information.
“We have issued a helpline number. An emergency booth has been put up at Lucknow Junction where people can get information. What exactly happened or who spread the rumor will be known only after the inquiry,” the North Eastern Railway’s Divisional Railway Manager told ANI.
Meanwhile, Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of the Information & Publicity Department of the Railway Board, stated that a few passengers had pulled the alarm chain and de-boarded the train, attempting to cross the tracks.
Speaking to ANI, Kumar said, “A few passengers pulled the alarm chain on Pushpak Express and deboarded the train. Bengaluru-New Delhi Karnataka Express was coming from the other side. We have received information of grievous injuries to a few passengers after getting hit by it. Several people had boarded the train from Bhusawal and one of them pulled the alarm chain. After that, they deboarded the train and either tried to cross the train in a wrong manner or were standing on the tracks. Due to this, they were hit by the train.”
Maharashtra Minister Gulabrao Patil, speaking to ANI, provided further details, stating that the incident occurred when passengers of the Pushpak Express jumped off the train after pulling the chain, prompted by a rumor of a fire in the general coach, and were struck by the incoming Karnataka Express.
