11 Dead After Jumping Off Train Over Fire Rumour, Run Over By Another

Eleven people were killed after a fire rumour on a train crossing Maharashtra’s Jalgaon triggered panic, with passengers jumping off the train and getting hit by another coming in from the other direction, said the police. 

The accident took place between Maheji and Pardhade stations near Pachora where the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express, a Daily Superfast Express train that runs between Lucknow to Mumbai, had halted after someone pulled the chain due to a rumour of fire around 5 pm, Central Railway officials said. Pachora is more than 400 km away from Mumbai.

Some passengers of the Pushpak Express stepped down, and were hit by the oncoming Karnataka Express, said Central Railway’s chief spokesperson Swapnil Nila.

“Our preliminary information is that there were sparks inside one of the coaches of Pushpak Express due to either ‘hot axle’ or ‘brake-binding’ (jamming), and some passengers panicked. They pulled the chain, and some of them jumped down on the tracks. At the same time, Karnataka Express was passing on the adjoining track,” a senior railway official told news agency PTI.

Harrowing images showed bodies lying on tracks with some people wandering around with blood all over them. 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis mourned the loss of lives, adding that he is in touch with the district administration and all assistance is being provided. 

“The tragic incident of the loss of lives in a very unfortunate incident near Pachora in Jalgaon district is deeply distressing. I pay my heartfelt tributes to them. My colleague Minister Girish Mahajan and the Superintendent of Police have reached the spot, and the District Collector will reach there shortly,” Mr Fadnavis posted on X in Marathi. 

“The entire district administration is working in coordination with the railway administration, and immediate arrangements are being made for the treatment of the injured. 8 ambulances have been dispatched. The general hospital as well as other nearby private hospitals have been kept ready for the treatment of the injured. Emergency equipment like glass cutters, floodlights etc. have also been kept ready. We are monitoring the entire situation and all necessary assistance is being provided immediately. I am in touch with the district administration,” the Chief Minister added.

Maharashtra minister Gulabrao Patil, who is also the guardian minister of Jalgaon, said senior officials are reaching the spot.