Jalgaon Train Accident: What Led To Horrific Rail Mishap That Killed 11 Passengers?

At least 11 people have died after passengers of the Pushpak Express were struck by the Karnataka Express in Jalgaon District.

Officials report that the passengers were outside their coaches, believing there was a fire in the train.

Photo Credit: PTI

Railway personnel and other staff have arrived at the scene and rescue ops are taking place.

The accident took place near Pardhade station, near Pachora, where the Pushpak Express had halted after someone pulled the chain due to a rumour of fire on board around 5 pm, they said.

Pachora is more than 400 km away from Mumbai.

Some passengers of the Pushpak Express stepped down, and were hit by the oncoming Karnataka Express, said Central Railway's chief spokesperson Swapnil Nila.

"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.

"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.

(With PTI inputs)