At least 13 people were killed and 15 others injured in a tragic train accident in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district on Wednesday evening (22 January, local time). The incident occurred when the Mumbai-bound Pushpak Express halted due to an alarm chain-pulling incident, prompting some passengers to jump onto the adjacent tracks. They were struck by the Karnataka Express, which was heading from Bengaluru to Delhi. Authorities have confirmed that four of the deceased were from Nepal, including a minor boy and two women.
The identities of eight victims have been confirmed, with four of the deceased Nepalese being Kamala Navin Bhandari, Javakala Bhate, Lachchiram Khataru Pasi, and Imtiyaz Ali. Most of the injured passengers are receiving treatment at the Pachora civil hospital, with others at a facility in Jalgaon city. Nine injured individuals have been provided an ex-gratia of Rs 2.70 lakh by Central Railway personnel, while those with minor injuries have been discharged after treatment.
Railway authorities clarified that no fire or spark caused the panic leading to the chain-pulling incident. Executive Director Dilip Kumar of the Railway Board stated that some passengers mistakenly assumed there was smoke in the coach, prompting them to jump off the train. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed condolences from Davos and announced financial aid of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased. The Railway Board also offered compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh for the deceased, Rs 50,000 for serious injuries, and Rs 5,000 for minor injuries.
The accident took place between Maheji and Pardhade stations, near Pachora town. Authorities and railway officials are investigating the incident, while measures are being taken to support the victims’ families and those injured. The tragic event highlights the risks of passenger panic during emergencies and the critical need for awareness and safety protocols during such incidents.
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