Train Accident: 12 Dead As Karnataka Express Runs Over Pushpak Express Passengers In Jalgaon

In a tragic incident at Pachora Railway Station in Jalgaon district, at least 12 people lost their lives and 40 were injured after being run over by the Karnataka Express in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, on Wednesday.

According to reports, passengers jumped off the Pushpak Express due to a false rumor of a fire onboard. Panic spread when some passengers raised an alarm about a potential fire, leading many to leap from the moving train.

Several others sustained injuries and are being shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Railway officials have reached the accident site in Pachora town, Jalgaon, to supervise the ongoing rescue operations.

Following the tragic incident at Pachora Railway Station, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) from Bhusawal has left for the accident site to oversee rescue and relief operations.

State government officials and rescue teams have also arrived at the scene to assist in the ongoing relief efforts. Authorities are working to manage the aftermath of the incident and ensure proper medical care for those affected.

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.'

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic event. According to the UP Chief Minister's Office, CM Yogi described the accident as "extremely tragic and heartbreaking." He offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. He assured that the injured passengers would receive proper medical treatment and urged authorities to ensure that all necessary assistance is provided.

However, the District Collector of Jalgaon stated that the fire rumor has not yet been confirmed. He also assured that three hospitals have been activated to handle the emergency, and all necessary measures are being implemented.

Efforts are underway to confirm the number of casualties and identify those involved. Officials are also probing the source of the false fire alarm and ensuring measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Helpline Set Up for Pushpak Express Accident Victims

In response to the tragedy, a helpline number has been established for the affected families and passengers. The North Eastern Railway (NER) has set up the helpline at Lucknow Junction station, with the contact number 8957409292, to provide assistance and support to those impacted by the incident. This move aims to offer immediate help and facilitate communication during such emergencies.

Train number 12627, the Karnataka Express, was traveling from Yeshvantpur to Hazrat Nizamuddin, while the Pushpak Express (12533) was en route from Lucknow to Mumbai. According to reports, smoke was emitted from the wheels of the Pushpak Express when the brakes were applied. This led to rumors of a fire on the train, causing panic among passengers, who, in their fear, jumped out of the coaches.