Jalgaon train tragedy: 12 killed as passengers jump off train after false alarm, hit by Karnataka Express | Today News
Pushpak Train Accident Today: In a tragic incident in North Maharashtra's Jalgaon district on Wednesday evening, at least 12 people died and five others were injured after passengers from the Pushpak Express jumped onto the tracks to escape a suspected fire on the train. As they exited their coaches, they were struck by the incoming Karnataka Express train.
As many as 12 bodies were recovered from the train accident spot, Special IG of Police Dattatraya Karale told PTI.
Further, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis announced ₹5 lakh ex gratia for kin of passengers killed in Jalgaon train tragedy.
CATCH LIVE UPDATES ON PUSHPAK TRAIN ACCIDENT
According to reports, passengers aboard the Pushpak Express noticed sparks while the train was braking and mistakenly feared a fire. In response, some people pulled the emergency chain and began jumping onto the tracks, which led to a tragic incident where they were struck by the incoming Karnataka Express, resulting in at least 12 fatalities.
Official sources confirmed that a chain-pulling incident occurred on the Lucknow-Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Pushpak Express between Maheji and Pardhade stations.
“The train had stopped, after which some passengers from a coach stepped out. Meanwhile, Karnataka Express, going in the opposition direction, was passing through the next track,” Central Railway CPRO Swapnil Kumar Leela told news reporters.
The accident took place near Pachora station, where the Pushpak Express had halted after someone reportedly pulled the chain due to a rumour of fire on board around 5 pm.
The District Collector of Jalgaon said that three hospitals have been activated and all necessary measures are being taken.
“Additional SP, SP, Collector and everybody is on their way. We are coordinating with DRM and Railway officials. 8 ambulances reached the spot as per the last available information, and additional rescue vans of Railway and Railway ambulances are being rushed to the spot. Further details are awaited. As per the last report, 8 people have died...The numbers can rise...the administration is providing all possible help,” Divisional Commissioner of Nashik Praveen Gedam told ANI.
Railway officials have confirmed that the alarm chain was pulled on the Pushpak Express. They indicated that the smoke from a hot axle may have caused passengers to panic, leading them to pull the chain and jump out of the train simultaneously.
"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.
"Senior officials are reaching the spot, after which more information will be available," said Maharashtra minister Gulabrao Patil who is also the guardian minister of Jalgaon.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis tweeted, “The unfortunate incident near Pachora in Jalgaon district in which some people lost their lives is very painful. 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. The entire district administration is working in coordination with the railway administration and immediate arrangements are being made for the treatment of the injured.”
Fadnavis added 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. We are monitoring the entire situation and all necessary assistance is being provided immediately. I am in touch with the district administration."
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the Pushpak train accident. The CM has ordered adequate medical treatment for the injured and condoled the demise of passengers, informed Uttar Pradesh CMO.
NCP leader Anil Deshmukh said, "What happened in Jalgaon is very unfortunate. A rumour spread that there was a fire inside the train and passengers jumped out on hearing this. When they stepped down from their train on the tracks, they were run over by another train coming from the opposite direction. I would like to express my condolence."
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