Jalgaon train tragedy eyewitness recounts how tea seller spread fire rumour

In a sorrowful event in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district, 13 individuals lost their lives after multiple passengers of the Pushpak Express leaped from their carriage because of a suspected fire and were hit by another train. An observer reported that the chaos was ignited by a tea vendor who wrongly asserted that a fire was present and yanked the train’s emergency cord, causing passengers to leap from the train in terror. The incident happened when riders on the 12533 Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express, fearing a blaze, leapt from their cars and were struck by the Karnataka Express, which was traveling on a nearby track.

An eyewitness recounted the chaos, saying, “A tea seller started the rumour by claiming the train had caught fire. He himself pulled the emergency chain, and as the train slowed down, passengers began jumping out in a desperate attempt to save their lives.”

The witness further said, “Some people jumped directly onto the track where the Bangalore Express was passing, and tragically lost their lives as they were crushed.”

The incident took place near Pachora town in North Maharashtra between Maheji and Pardhade stations at approximately 4:45 pm on Tuesday, when the Pushpak Express stopped after an individual pulled the emergency chain. Officials from Central Railway verified the specifics of the incident.

Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity at the Railway Board, refuted claims that a spark or fire inside the coach led the passengers to activate the alarm. “Kumar mentioned in New Delhi that, according to the information we received, there were no signs of fire or sparks inside the coach.” The number of fatalities increased to 13 on Wednesday, as a number of the injured passengers passed away from their wounds. Special Inspector General of Police Dattatraya Karale verified that eight out of the 13 victims have been recognized, with two identified via their Aadhaar cards.

The Central Circle’s Railway Safety Commissioner will carry out an inquiry into the events that resulted in the fatalities.

“Of the 13, we have identified eight bodies so far, including two from their Aadhaar cards,” Special Inspector General of Police Dattatraya Karale told media. The Commissioner of Railway Safety, Central Circle, will probe the circumstances leading to the mowing down of the 13 passengers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences over the tragic train accident in Jalgaon.

“Anguished by the tragic accident on the railway tracks in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected,” the Prime Minister’s Office stated in a post on X.

The Railway Ministry announced ex gratia of Rs 1.5 lakh each for the kins of the deceased in the Jalgaon train accident.

“Ex gratia of Rs 1.5 lakh each has been announced for the kins of the deceased in the Jalgaon train accident, Rs 50,000 to the people who are seriously injured and Rs 5,000 to the people who have sustained minor injuries,” as per an official statement from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s office.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia to the families of the victims who died in the Jalgaon train accident on Wednesday. The state government will also bear all the medical expenses of the injured, the CM said