Maharashtra: Passengers jump off train after fire rumor; 12 killed
What's the story
Twelve passengers of a Pushpak Express train were killed and several others injured in an incident near Pachora station in Maharashtra's Jalgaon on Wednesday evening.
The victims were hit by the Karnataka Express coming from the other direction after they jumped onto the tracks due to rumor of a fire onboard their train.
The tragedy occurred between Maheji and Pardhade stations near Pachora, where the train had stopped after someone pulled the emergency chain after the fire rumor around 5:00pm.
Destination
The Pushpak Express was going from Lucknow to Mumbai
According to a Railways official, the Pushpak Express was going from Lucknow to Mumbai.
"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 PTI.
Twitter Post
Visuals of the train
Jalgaon, Maharashtra: A false fire alarm in the Pushpak Express at Paranda Railway Station caused panicked passengers to jump off the train. Tragically, several were run over by the Karnataka Express passing on another track https://t.co/Gs3RGOnksa pic.twitter.com/lmIHkE6IKb
— IANS (@ians_india) January 22, 2025
Official confirmation
Rescue efforts are underway
Authorities have confirmed that rescue efforts are underway.
Medical teams, as well as local administration and rescue officials, have arrived at the site.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the accident and said that eight 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," he added.