NEW DELHI: At least eight people were killed in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district on Wednesday when they stepped onto the tracks after a rumour of fire onboard and were struck by another train approaching from the opposite direction.
The incident occurred after the Pushpak Express came to an unscheduled halt around 5 pm when someone pulled the chain due to a rumour of fire on board. Unaware of the danger, they were struck by the Karnataka Express, leading to multiple casualties.
“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… As per the last report, 8 people have died. The numbers can rise.” Divisional commissioner of Nashik Praveen Gedam told ANI.
“Our preliminary information is that there were sparks inside one of the coaches of Pushpak Express due to either ‘hot axle’ or ‘brake-binding’ (jamming), and some passengers panicked. They pulled the chain, and some of them jumped down on the tracks. At the same time, Karnataka Express was passing on the adjoining track,” a senior railway official told PTI.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis condoled the deaths in the train accident. He said in a post, “The tragic incident of the loss of lives in a very unfortunate incident near Pachora in Jalgaon district is deeply distressing. I pay my heartfelt tributes to them. My colleague Minister Girish Mahajan and the Superintendent of Police have reached the spot, and the District Collector will reach there shortly.”
“Senior officials are reaching the spot, after which more information will be available,” said Maharashtra minister Gulabrao Patil who is also the guardian minister of Jalgaon.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the train accident and has ordered adequate medical treatment for the injured.
