13 Killed in Maharashtra Train Tragedy Following Fire Rumour, Crushed by Oncoming Train

Panic over sparks in a train coach led to passengers jumping onto tracks, resulting in a collision with another train. PM Modi and CM Fadnavis express condolences.

January 23, 2025: 13 Dead After Jumping Off Train in Maharashtra Amid Fire Rumour, Crushed by Oncoming Train

Thirteen passengers tragically lost their lives in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district after panic over a fire rumour in the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express led them to jump onto railway tracks, only to be hit by the oncoming Karnataka Express, said officials. The incident occurred around 5 PM between Maheji and Pardhade stations near Pachora, approximately 400 km from Mumbai.

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Sequence of Events

The accident unfolded when someone pulled the emergency chain in the Pushpak Express, halting it after passengers noticed sparks in one of the coaches. According to Central Railway spokesperson Swapnil Nila, sparks may have been caused by a “hot axle” or “brake-binding” (jamming), which led to smoke. Misinterpreting the situation as a fire, some passengers panicked and jumped off the train, landing on the adjacent tracks.

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Unfortunately, at the same time, the Karnataka Express, traveling from Bengaluru to Delhi, passed by on the adjoining track, leading to the horrific tragedy.

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Casualties and Relief Efforts

Out of the 13 fatalities, seven victims have been identified, while the search continues for six others whose remains are scattered. Harrowing visuals from the site showed bodies strewn across the tracks, with some injured passengers wandering in shock and covered in blood.

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An accident relief train has been dispatched from Bhusaval, and medical aid is being provided to the injured.

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Leaders Respond

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the accident, stating, “Anguished by the tragic accident on the railway tracks in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected.”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, currently at the World Economic Forum in Davos, announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh each for the families of the deceased. “The state government will bear the entire cost of treatment for the injured passengers,” the CM said in a video message. He also confirmed that minister Girish Mahajan is personally overseeing rescue and support efforts.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his condolences, adding that he had discussed the matter with CM Fadnavis. “The local administration is providing all possible help to the injured. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Mr. Shah stated.

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Railway Ministry’s Action

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw held discussions with the Railway Board Chairman and other officials to determine the cause of the accident. He has instructed authorities to prioritize treatment for the injured.

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Conclusion

The incident is a stark reminder of the importance of passenger safety and clear communication in emergencies. While relief efforts are underway, authorities are investigating the incident to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Suggested Tags:

Maharashtra Train Accident, Pushpak Express, Karnataka Express, Jalgaon Train Tragedy, Railway Safety, Devendra Fadnavis, PM Modi, Amit Shah, Train Fire Rumour

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