Jalgaon Train Accident: Did Chain Pulling Trigger the Tragedy? Here's What Officials Say

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a tragic train accident occurred on Wednesday evening, claiming the lives of 11 passengers and injuring five others in Jalgaon district, Maharashtra. The incident involved the Pushpak Express, traveling from Lucknow to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (Mumbai), and the Karnataka Express, heading in the opposite direction.

Officials have revealed that the tragedy was triggered by rumors of a fire aboard the Pushpak Express, which led to panic among passengers.

The mishap occurred around 5:00 PM between Maheji and Pardhade stations, when passengers on the Pushpak Express, fearing a fire caused by sparks from the train's wheels, pulled the emergency chain, halting the train. Passengers, alarmed by the situation, began to exit the train. As they disembarked onto the tracks, several of them were tragically struck by the oncoming Karnataka Express, traveling on the adjacent track.

Central Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer, Swapnil Kumar Leela, explained the sequence of events, stating, "The train had stopped, after which some passengers from a coach stepped out. Meanwhile, Karnataka Express, going in the opposite direction, was passing through the next track."

A senior railway official told PTI, 'Preliminary findings suggest that sparks inside one of the Pushpak Express coaches were caused by either a 'hot axle' or 'brake binding' (jamming). This triggered panic among some passengers, leading them to pull the emergency chain and jump off the train. Unfortunately, the Karnataka Express was passing on the adjacent track at the same time.'

Immediate Response and Relief Efforts

Upon hearing the news, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life. He offered his condolences and emphasized the immediate steps being taken to assist the victims. On social media, Fadnavis stated, "The tragic incident of the loss of lives near Pachora in Jalgaon district is deeply distressing. I pay my heartfelt tributes to them." He confirmed that ambulances and emergency services had been dispatched to the site, with glass cutters, floodlights, and additional rescue teams mobilized for the operation.

Nashik Divisional Commissioner, Praveen Gedam, confirmed that senior police and administrative officials were en route to the site. "We are coordinating with DRM and Railway officials. Eight ambulances reached the spot, and additional rescue vans and Railway ambulances are being rushed to the site," Gedam reported.

An accident relief medical van was dispatched from Bhusawal, ensuring that injured passengers received prompt medical attention.

Railway authorities have assured that an investigation into the incident is underway, with the aim to improve safety protocols and prevent future occurrences of such tragic events.