A tragic train accident in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, has resulted in the loss of at least 13 lives and injuries to several others. The incident occurred between Maheji and Pardhade railway stations near Pachora, approximately 400 km from Mumbai. The accident involved the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express and the Bengaluru-Delhi Karnataka Express.
The sequence of events began when the Pushpak Express was brought to a halt after someone pulled the alarm chain around 4:45 PM. According to railway officials, after the train was stopped, some passengers onboard the Pushpak Express mistakenly believed that a fire had broken out in one of the coaches. This rumour caused panic, and passengers started jumping from the train onto the adjacent tracks. It has been reported that sparks flying from the wheels when brakes were applied might have contributed to the fire rumour.
Unfortunately, the Karnataka Express was travelling on the adjacent track and ran over the passengers who had jumped from the Pushpak Express. The Karnataka Express was travelling from Bengaluru towards Delhi. The accident took place on the railway tracks between Pardhade and Maheji railway stations near Pachora. The accident highlights the dangers of panic and the importance of accurate information during emergencies. The incident underscores the risks associated with passengers being on active railway tracks.
Following the accident, the injured passengers were quickly taken to nearby hospitals for medical care, and the rescue operation was supervised by local administration. The Pushpak Express resumed its journey within 15 minutes, while the Karnataka Express was moved within 20 minutes. The quick resumption of train services is indicative of railways’ prompt action post the tragedy.
The Commissioner of Railway Safety, Central Circle, has initiated an investigation into the circumstances that led to the accident. Manoj Arora, CRS, Central Circle, will be visiting the accident site. The Railway Board has denied the initial reports about the fire. According to Dilip Kumar, Executive Director, Information and Publicity, Railway Board, there was no spark or any fire noticed in the coach.
Several high-ranking officials have extended their condolences to the affected families. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased. In addition to the state government’s compensation, the Railway Board announced an ex-gratia of Rs 1.5 lakh each to the families of the deceased, Rs 50,000 for grievous wounds, and Rs 5,000 for simple injuries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have also expressed their grief and offered condolences to the families of the victims.
Local witness, Vishal Yadav, explained that some passengers saw sparks flying from the wheels of the train when the brakes were applied. This event led to the rumour of a fire. The panic that ensued forced the passengers to jump off the train, directly in the path of the oncoming Karnataka express. Further details from the accident indicate that the driver of the Karnataka Express applied the brakes after noticing the flasher light on the stopped Pushpak Express, but due to a two degree curvature on the track, there was limited visibility and stopping distance. According to Central PRO Swapnil Nila, a full speed train requires about 650 meters to stop after brakes are applied.
The ex-gratia amounts were distributed to injured passengers at Vrindavan Hospital and Vighnaharta Pachora. Nine injured passengers of the Pushpak Express received the ex-gratia. Hasan Ali, Vijay Kumar, Uttam Harjan, Dharma Sawant, and Abu Mohammad received ₹50,000 each, for their grievous injuries, while Moharam, Hakeem Ansari, Deepak Thapa, and Hujala Sawant received ₹5000 each for simple injuries. A total of ₹2,70,000 was distributed among the injured. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with railway travel and the importance of passenger safety.
The Jalgaon train accident is a grim reminder of the devastating consequences that can occur due to misinformation, panic and the risks associated with railways. The authorities are investigating the causes of the incident, while the focus remains on providing support to the families of those who have lost their lives and ensuring the well-being of the injured.
Sources:
https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/jalgaon-train-accident-updates-death-count-rises-as-passengers-of-pushpak-express-hit-by-karnataka-express-in-pachora-latest-updates-2025-01-23-972651
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/jalgaon-pushpak-express-accident-track-curvature-affected-visibility-and-braking-distance-say-officials/article69130366.ece
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pushpak-express-maharashtra-everyone-began-jumping-off-train-passenger-recalls-horror-after-fire-rumour-7535538