Nashik: At least 12 passengers of the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express tragically lost their lives, and 15 others were injured in a horrific accident on Wednesday evening in Jalgaon district, north Maharashtra. The incident occurred after passengers jumped from the train due to rumors of a fire in one of the compartments, only to be struck by the Bengaluru-New Delhi Karnataka Express, which was traveling in the opposite direction.
According to officials, the Pushpak Express had come to a halt after the alarm chain was pulled, and its driver had activated the flasher light. In response, the driver of the Karnataka Express applied the brakes upon noticing the light. However, the track’s curvature near the location obstructed visibility, reducing the time available for both drivers to react.
“The curvature of the track, which was almost two degrees, hindered visibility and shortened the distance for the drivers to apply the brakes. The passengers also couldn’t see the approaching train due to this curvature. Both drivers did their best to avoid the accident,” the official said.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as passengers on the tracks tried to flee in panic, but many were unable to escape before the Karnataka Express struck them. The Railway Ministry has ordered an investigation into the incident.
Panic After Suspected Fire Leads to Chain Pulling
Among the deceased, three were women. Jalgaon District Collector Ayush Prasad confirmed that 15 passengers were injured, four of them seriously. Authorities have identified seven of the deceased so far: Nandaram Vishwakarma (10), Lacchi Paasi (18-20), Kamla Bhandari (43) — all from Nepal — as well as Imtiyaz Ali (35), Javkala Jaygaddi (50), Nasiruddin Siddiqui (18-20), and Babu Khan (27-30).
The tragedy occurred around 4:50 PM, approximately 10 kilometers from Pachora station. Central Railway’s chief PRO, Swapneel Nila, stated that some passengers, suspecting a fire in one of the coaches, pulled the chain. In the ensuing panic, several passengers jumped from the train and fell onto the adjacent tracks.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise and seeing smoke, which triggered the panic. “There were rumors that the train was on fire. Passengers who jumped from the right side of the compartment were run over by the Karnataka Express,” said one witness.
Compensation and Condolences
The Maharashtra government and the railway ministry announced ex gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh and Rs 1.5 lakh, respectively, for the families of the deceased. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his condolences, saying, “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.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his grief on X, 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 all injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected.”
Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his sorrow, saying, “The accident in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, is extremely sad… The local administration is providing all possible help to the injured.”
