• Source:JND
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Jalgaon Railway Accident: At least 1 passengers lost their lives and five others were injured as they stepped down the Pushpak Express after a false rumour of a fire on the train. The incident took place on Wednesday evening, January 22, at Pachora Railway Station in Jalgaon district, Maharashtra, according to Central Railway officials.

Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan told that the district collector had provided information that ten to twelve people had died.

The accident occurred between Maheji and Pardhade stations at Pachora, where the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express had come to a halt when someone pulled the chain owing to a fire rumour around 5 PM, according to Central Railway officials.

Jalgaon, Maharashtra: A false fire alarm in the Pushpak Express at Paranda Railway Station caused panicked passengers to jump off the train. Tragically, several were run over by the Karnataka Express passing on another track https://t.co/Gs3RGOnksa pic.twitter.com/lmIHkE6IKb

— IANS (@ians_india) January 22, 2025

Some passengers raised concern about the potential fire, causing an atmosphere of panic. This prompted others to leap off the train in fear. While some landed on the adjacent track, they were hit by the Karnataka Express, which was passing by at that time, said Central Railway's chief spokesperson Swapnil Nila.

Divisional Commissioner of Nashik Praveen Gedam told ANI, "We are on the spot. 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 last available information, 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...Administration is providing all possible help."

Among the passengers, panic spread quickly, and some of them jumped off of the rushing train out of fright. Unfortunately, the Karnataka Express, which was approaching at the same time, struck about a dozen passengers who had landed on an adjacent track. At least 30 to 40 additional people were hurt when they too leaped off the train.

ALSO READ: PM Modi Announces Rs 2 Lakh Compensation For Karnataka Accident Victims

For medical attention, the wounded passengers were taken to a nearby rural hospital. Local authorities and senior railway officials have arrived on the scene to oversee rescue operations and conduct an investigation.

The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) from Bhusawal has travelled to the accident scene to supervise rescue and relief efforts in the wake of the event at Pachora Railway Station.

CM Fadnavis Expresses Grief Over Incident

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic incident. He paid heartfelt tributes to the victims and assured them that the district administration, in coordination with the railway authorities, was working swiftly to assist. 

"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. 8 ambulances have been dispatched," he said.

Both the general hospital and nearby private hospitals are on standby to treat the wounded. Emergency equipment, such as glass cutters and floodlights, is also ready, said the CM. The situation is being closely monitored, and all necessary help is being provided without delay. The CM confirmed he is in constant touch with the district administration.

Rs 5 Lakh Ex-Gratia Announced

CM Fadnavis has also announced a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those who have died in the incident. 

Meanwhile, Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, expressed his grief over the Pushpak train disaster. He has condoled the deaths of the passengers and ordered appropriate medical care for the injured.