A devastating train accident in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district on Wednesday claimed the lives of at least 11 people. The tragedy occurred near Paranda railway station when passengers from the Pushpak Express, fearing a fire, jumped onto the tracks and were struck by the Bengaluru Express.
Details of the Incident
The accident unfolded at 4:19 PM as the Pushpak Express traveled from Lucknow to Mumbai. Passengers panicked after noticing smoke, reportedly caused by a technical issue in the train’s wheels, including a possible “hot axle” or “brake-binding.” In a state of fear, some passengers pulled the emergency chain and jumped onto the tracks to escape.
Tragically, the Bengaluru Express, traveling in the opposite direction, collided with the passengers on the tracks. According to Swapnil Nila, Central Railway’s chief spokesperson, “Some passengers of the Pushpak Express stepped down and were hit by the oncoming Karnataka Express.”
The accident site, located over 400 km from Mumbai, is now the focus of an extensive investigation by railway officials.
Emergency Response and Updates
Senior railway and district officials, including Maharashtra minister Gulabrao Patil and Minister Girish Mahajan, rushed to the site to oversee rescue and relief operations. Eight ambulances were dispatched to transport the injured to nearby hospitals, with both general and private hospitals prepared to provide emergency care.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his condolences, describing the incident as “extremely unfortunate and deeply distressing.” He added that emergency equipment, including glass cutters and floodlights, had been deployed to aid rescue efforts.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed grief and directed authorities to ensure adequate medical treatment for the injured.
Condolences and Ongoing Investigation
Chief Minister Fadnavis extended his heartfelt tributes to the victims, stating, “The tragic incident of the loss of lives near Pachora in Jalgaon district is deeply distressing.”
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the sparks and smoke that led to the passengers’ panic. Preliminary findings suggest the issue stemmed from a mechanical fault in the Pushpak Express.
Conclusion
This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the critical importance of passenger safety and swift responses during emergencies. The railway administration, along with local authorities, is taking steps to ensure the injured receive proper care and to prevent similar accidents in the future.
