What really happened in Jalgaon? How simple rumour led to deadly collision that took 13 lives

Maharashtra News: In a tragic incident on Wednesday evening, eleven individuals lost their lives after passengers of the Pushpak Express, traveling from Lucknow to Mumbai, disembarked in panic due to rumors of a fire. This occurred in the Jalgaon district of North Maharashtra. According to railway officials, the chaos began when a passenger pulled the emergency chain while the train was en route, causing widespread panic among the passengers.

Details of the Incident

As passengers exited the train in fear, they moved onto the opposite tracks. At that moment, an express train traveling from Bengaluru to Delhi collided with them, resulting in multiple injuries. Disturbing visuals from the scene depicted bodies and severed body parts scattered across the tracks. A senior railway official provided insight into the cause of the panic, stating, "Our preliminary information is that there were sparks and smoke inside one of the general coaches of Pushpak Express due to either hot axle' or brake-binding' (jamming), and some passengers panicked."

Emergency Response

Central Railway CPRO Swapnil Kumar Leela confirmed that after the train stopped, some passengers exited from one coach. He noted, “Meanwhile, Karnataka Express, going in the opposite direction, was passing through the next track.” In response to the incident, railway authorities dispatched medical assistance promptly. “We have also sought help from nearby hospitals.

The Railway's accident relief medical van has also left from Bhusawal and will reach the site soon,” Leela added.Maharashtra's Divisional Commissioner Praveen Gedam reported that local officials were en route to assist at the accident site. “Eight ambulances have reached the spot as per the latest information, and additional rescue vans and railway ambulances are being rushed to the site,” he stated.

Condolences from Officials

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his sorrow over the incident. He remarked, "The tragic incident near Pachora in Jalgaon district is deeply distressing. I pay my heartfelt tributes to the deceased." He assured that local authorities were coordinating efforts for immediate medical treatment for those injured.

In a follow-up statement, Fadnavis mentioned that his colleague Minister Girish Mahajan and local law enforcement had arrived at the scene. He emphasized that “the entire district administration is working in coordination with the railway administration.”