Jalgaon Tragedy: Officials Confirm Pushpak Express Passengers Had Time to Reach Safety Before Karnataka Express Incident

Passengers of the Pushpak Express, who disembarked due to a fire rumour, had ample time to reach safety before the Karnataka Express arrived 20 minutes later, according to railway officials. The incident occurred between Maheji and Pardhade stations when the emergency chain was pulled at 4:45 pm on Wednesday. Unfortunately, 12 passengers were struck by the Karnataka Express at around 5:05 pm.

The initial reports suggested that passengers had no time to move to safety, but officials dismissed these claims. They clarified that those who left the train remained on the tracks, unaware of the approaching danger. Videos shared by passengers before the tragedy support this version of events. The investigation is ongoing to determine why the emergency chain was pulled.

Investigation and Safety Concerns

A team of five senior railway officials has begun an inquiry into the accident. The Railway Board stated that this team includes principal chief officers from various departments within the Central Railway Zone. They are tasked with uncovering the cause of the incident and submitting a report promptly. Meanwhile, a preliminary inquiry by the Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Police is also underway.

Officials emphasised that basic safety precautions could have saved lives. Passengers who noticed the Karnataka Express managed to move away in time, while others did not react quickly enough. The death toll was confirmed as 12 after it was clarified that a head and torso initially thought to belong to different individuals were from the same person.

Victims and Their Stories

Among those who lost their lives, seven were from Nepal, including Lachchiram Khataru Pasi. His family faced the difficult task of identifying him from mutilated remains. Survivors recounted how they huddled between two trains for safety. Shaukat Ali, a worker from Nepal, described how a fire rumour led to panic and passengers hastily disembarking.

The accident took place near Pachora town, about 400 km from Mumbai. Of the 15 injured passengers, 10 received treatment at local hospitals, while others with minor injuries were discharged. A Central Railway team visited hospitals and distributed Rs 2.70 lakh in ex gratia payments to nine injured passengers.

Official Statements and Reactions

Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity at the Railway Board, denied any spark or fire inside the coach caused passengers to pull the alarm chain. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar attributed the accident to a false fire rumour spread by a tea seller on the Pushpak Express.

The rumour was relayed by two passengers from Uttar Pradesh, causing panic in their coach and an adjoining one. Swapnil Dhanraj Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, mentioned that no order for a Commissioner of Railway Safety enquiry has been issued yet.

All bodies have been identified and returned to their families. The Government Medical College in Jalgaon confirmed that a woman's torso and head belonged to one individual, reducing the death toll from an earlier estimate of 13. This tragic event highlights the importance of adhering to safety protocols during emergencies.