Thirteen People Die After Jumping Off Train Due to False Fire Alarm and Being Struck by Another Train
Tragedy Strikes as Fire Rumor on Train Leads to Fatal Accident in Jalgaon, Maharashtra
A tragic incident unfolded in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon as thirteen people lost their lives in a train accident caused by a fire rumor. The chaos ensued when passengers on the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express panicked and jumped off the train after someone pulled the chain due to the false alarm. This led to a devastating collision with the oncoming Karnataka Express, resulting in multiple casualties.
The Incident and Aftermath
The accident occurred between Maheji and Pardhade stations near Pachora, approximately 400 km away from Mumbai. Central Railway officials reported that sparks inside one of the coaches of the Pushpak Express, possibly due to a ‘hot axle’ or ‘brake-binding,’ triggered the panic among passengers. As a result, some passengers disembarked and tragically got struck by the passing Karnataka Express.
The aftermath of the accident was grim, with authorities struggling to identify the deceased as some bodies were missing body parts. Harrowing images depicted the somber scene of bodies scattered on the tracks and injured individuals in distress.
Response and Assistance
In response to the tragic incident, an accident relief train was dispatched from Bhusaval, and efforts were made to provide medical aid to the injured passengers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and assured that all possible assistance would be provided to the affected individuals. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was away at the World Economic Forum in Davos, announced financial assistance to the families of the deceased and pledged to cover the medical expenses of the injured passengers.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his condolences and assured that the local administration was providing support to the victims. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw issued directives to prioritize the treatment of the injured and investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident.
Moving Forward
As investigations continue into the causes of the accident, authorities are focused on providing support to the affected families and ensuring the well-being of the injured passengers. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures and awareness to prevent such tragedies in the future. The railway authorities and government officials are committed to taking necessary steps to avoid similar incidents and enhance passenger safety on the rail network.