Karnataka Express collided with passengers who exited the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express amid fire rumors; 10 injured, with 3 in critical condition; Maharashtra government announces ₹5 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased.
On Wednesday evening, a tragic incident resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals who jumped from their train due to false reports of a fire, only to be struck by another train traveling on a parallel track in Jalgaon district, Maharashtra.
The fatalities included nine men and three women. "We have confirmed 12 deaths and 10 injuries," stated Maheshwar Reddy, Superintendent of Police in Jalgaon, in an interview with The Hindu on Wednesday night. The injured passengers, three of whom are in serious condition, have been taken to local hospitals in Pachora, while the deceased have been transported to the Jalgaon government hospital for post-mortem examinations. The Maharashtra government has declared an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives.
Panic ensued due to sparks:
The incident unfolded when sparks and smoke were observed in one of the coaches of the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express, inciting panic among passengers, which led to the activation of the train's emergency chain around 5 p.m., according to Central Railways spokesperson Swapnil Nila. The Pushpak Express halted between Maheji and Pardhade stations, approximately 400 km from Mumbai. In their fear of a fire, some passengers jumped onto the tracks and were subsequently struck by the Karnataka Express, which was en route from Bengaluru to Delhi.
Railway officials and police informed The Hindu that the sparks and smoke in the general coach were likely caused by a "hot axle" or "brake-binding." Mr. Nila also mentioned that an accident relief train was dispatched from Bhusaval.
Helpline numbers
Station - Mobile no. - Railway no.
Bhusaval - 8799982712 - 55110
Jalgaon - 8799952519 - 79220
Manmad - 7420058556 - 72217
Burhanpur - 8263916314 - 66222
Khandwa - 8263916296 - 67220
CSMT - 022-22694040 - 55993
Dadar - 9136452387 - 57390
Kalyan - 8356848078 - 63360
Thane - 9321336747 - 61290
Igatpuri - 8657916263 - 69131
The tragic loss of lives in a recent incident near Pachora in the Jalgaon district is profoundly sorrowful. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis conveyed his heartfelt condolences in a video message from Davos, Switzerland. He stated, "We have emergency equipment such as glass cutters and floodlights on standby.
We are closely monitoring the situation and providing all necessary assistance without delay. I am in constant communication with the district administration." He assured that the state government would ensure medical care for the injured.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav expressed his deep sorrow regarding the incident after receiving a briefing from the Chairman of the Railway Board. He emphasized the need for proper medical treatment for all those injured.
Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan also shared his condolences, stating, "I am extremely saddened to learn about the tragic deaths of several passengers who were struck by another train near Jalgaon. Please extend my sympathies to the families of the deceased. I wish a swift recovery to the injured."
An accident occurred involving Train No. 12533 Lucknow-CSMT Pushpak Express at km 372/07 in the UP direction, between Maheji and Pardhane. The train halted at the location, and some passengers disembarked from the Pushpak Express.
Unfortunately, seven to eight individuals were injured by the passing Train No. 12627.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray called for enhanced safety measures, while Congress leaders Nana Patole and Vijay Wadettiwar criticized the government's approach to railway safety.
