Jalgaon Train Accident: Survivors Rushed to Nearby Hospitals for Treatment

A tragic train accident unfolded on Wednesday evening at 4:42 PM in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, when panic struck passengers aboard the Pushpak Express, leading to the loss of at least 11 lives. Rumors of a fire aboard the train caused widespread fear, prompting passengers to jump off the moving train. As they attempted to flee, several were tragically struck by the Karnataka Express, which was traveling on an adjacent track.

The incident occurred near the Maheji and Parhade area, close to Pachora station. A chain-pulling incident occurred on the Pushpak Express (Train number 12533), which was traveling from Lucknow to Mumbai. Passengers, fearing a fire caused by sparks from the train's brakes, pulled the alarm chain, bringing the train to a stop. In the ensuing panic, many passengers jumped off the train and were struck by the Karnataka Express (Train number 12627), which was traveling from Yeshvantpur to Hazrat Nizamuddin.

Jalgaon SP confirmed the death of 11 individuals in the accident, while 40 others sustained injuries. Emergency teams and local authorities rushed to the scene to assist the injured passengers. The incident occurred at a sharp curve on the track, which made it difficult for passengers to realize the approaching Karnataka Express, leading to the tragic fatalities.

Central Railway's CPRD Swapanil Nila informed that a medical relief train has already been dispatched from Bhusawal to assist with the rescue efforts. Initial reports indicate that no passengers have been confirmed dead at the site as of now, but the situation remains critical. The site of the accident is approximately 400 kilometers away from Mumbai.

According to railway officials, the initial panic on the Pushpak Express was caused by sparks from the train's brakes, which were misinterpreted as signs of a fire. The train's wheels produced smoke during braking, and this led to passengers pulling the alarm chain in fear. Some passengers exited the train, only to find themselves in the path of the oncoming Karnataka Express.

Jalgaon District Collector Ayush Prasad confirmed that several passengers from the Pushpak Express were struck by the Karnataka Express, and immediate relief operations were underway. The injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals, including a rural hospital, for treatment.

Jalgaon BJP MP Smita Wagh confirmed the death of 11 people and expressed concern that the toll could rise, as many of the injured passengers were in critical condition.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow over the incident and offered his condolences to the families of the deceased. He assured that the local administration and police were working closely with railway authorities. The state has dispatched emergency ambulances and equipment such as floodlights and glass cutters to aid in the rescue and recovery efforts.

The investigation into the cause of the panic and the circumstances surrounding the incident is still underway. Railway authorities are working to ensure the injured receive proper medical care, and relief teams are on-site. As of now, the central government and local authorities are providing all necessary support to those affected by the tragedy.