NASHIK: At least 12 passengers of Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express lost their lives and 15 others were injured in an accident Wednesday evening in north Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district. They jumped from their train following rumours of a fire in one of the compartments, only to be hit by Bengaluru-New Delhi Karnataka Express coming from the opposite direction and negotiating a curve on the adjacent tracks.
An official said the driver of Pushpak Express had turned on the flasher light after the train halted due to the alarm chain being pulled. The Karnataka Express driver applied brakes upon noticing the light, but a track curvature near the spot hindered visibility.
“The curvature of almost two degrees obstructed visibility and reduced the distance for the drivers to apply brakes. The passengers also could not see the approaching train because of the curvature. The drivers tried their best to avert the accident,” the official said.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as people on the tracks desperately tried to move away, but many were unable to escape before the oncoming train struck them. Railways has ordered an investigation.
‘Some passengers pulled chain suspecting fire’
Among the fatalities, three were women. “Fifteen passengers were injured, four of them seriously,” Jalgaon DC Ayush Prasad said. Authorities have released the names of seven deceased identified so far: Nandaram Vishwakarma (10), Lacchi Paasi (18-20 years), Kamla Bhandari (43) — all from Nepal — Imtiyaz Ali (35), Javkala Jaygaddi (50), Nasiruddin Siddiqui (18-20), & Babu Khan (27-30).
The accident occurred around 4.50 pm, about 10km from Pachora station. Central Railway chief PRO Swapneel Nila said: “Suspecting a fire in one of the coaches, some passengers in general compartment pulled the chain. Panicked, some of them jumped off the train and fell on adjoining tracks.” Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise and seeing smoke before panic ensued. “There was a rumour that the train was on fire. Passengers who jumped through the right side of the compartment were run over by Karnataka Exp,” a witness said.
Maharashtra govt and railway ministry announced ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh and Rs 1.5 lakh, respectively, for the families of the deceased. CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed his condolences. “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives… The district administration, in close coordination with the railway authorities, is ensuring swift action for the treatment of the injured,” he added.
PM Modi wrote on X, “Anguished by the tragic accident on the railway tracks in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. I extend my heartfelt condolences to bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of all injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected”.
Home minister Amit Shah said, “The accident in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, is extremely sad… The local administration is providing all possible help to the injured.”
