In Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district, a horrifying incident wiped out the lives of 13 persons when an intense panic ensued due to false rumour that fire has engulfed a train so passengers jumped down clearing their way to get crushed by the approaching train. The mishap happened on Tuesday evening, between Maheji and Pardhade railway stations around Pachora, about 400 km from Mumbai as per police and railway authorities.
The Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express, a Daily Superfast Express train, had halted around 5 pm after someone pulled the emergency chain due to a rumour of a fire onboard. Central Railway officials stated that some passengers stepped down from the halted train and were hit by the Karnataka Express, which was traveling on an adjacent track from Bengaluru to Delhi.
Panic Over Sparks in Pushpak Express
Preliminary inquiry indicated that panic was started by sparks arising in one of the Pushpak Express coaches. “The sparks were likely due to a ‘hot axle’ or ‘brake-binding’ (jamming). This caused some passengers to assume there was a fire, leading them to pull the chain and jump off the train,” a senior railway official told PTI.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Express was travelling on the adjacent track, which caused the unfortunate incident.
Seven of the 13 deceased have been identified, and it is still being worked to determine the identity of the remaining six. Because missing limbs has made the search difficult in its own way, officials said.
Horrific Scene and Rescue Efforts
Distressing images of the accident scene showed bodies strewn over the tracks, dazed, and injured passengers wandering in disbelief, while many are stained in blood. A relief train was sent from Bhusaval and efforts have been made to have medical help delivered to the victims.
Central Railway authorities have promised all endeavours are being made to help the victims and their relatives.
Condolences and Assistance
Distressed by the railway track accident in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. I express my deepest regret to the bereaved families and my hope for early health to all the victims. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected.”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, addressing an event in Davos, announced an incentive of ₹5 lakh for the families of those lost in the tragedy. “Some passengers mistakenly assumed smoke was coming out of the train and jumped off, leading to this tragedy. The state government will also foot the complete expenses of the treatment of the injured passengers,” said Fadnavis in a video message.
He also guaranteed that the rescue operation is being conducted under personal supervision of Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan and victim support has been assured. Fadnavis has also been in contact with Jalgaon district administration and police personnel.
Union Ministers React
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on learning of the accident, expressed sorrow and also explored the issue with Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis. The Jalgaon rail accident in Maharashtra is tragic,” i.e. The administering authorities are doing everything they can in order to assist the wounded. Expressing feelings of condolences to the families who lost their near and dear ones and wishing for a speedy recovery of the injured”, Shah posted on X.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also acted quickly, interacting with Railway Board Chairman and top officials to ascertain the reason for the incident. He gave directives to give medical care to the wounded and to provide all forms of support to those in need.
Conclusion and Future Measures
This unfortunate accident at Jalgaon has revived discussion about the safety of passengers and the preparedness of emergency response machinery of Indian Railways. Although authorities have acted decisively to the event, the requirement to provide better systems to avoid panic and secure passenger safety is an ongoing concern.
With ongoing investigations, the railways, state government and central agencies, are in germane position to undertake supplementary steps in ensuring safety protocols and precluding such events in the future.
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