In a tragic incident at Pachora Railway Station in Jalgaon district, twelve passengers lost their lives and more than 35 were injured after pulling the alarm chain (ACP) on the Pushpak Express, attempted to disembark from the moving train following a false rumor of a fire on the train. The panic ensued when some passengers raised an alarm about a potential fire, prompting others to leap off the moving train in fear. Tragically, some of them landed on an adjacent track, where they were struck by the Karnataka Express, which was passing by at the same time.
In a tragic incident near Pachora in Jalgaon, an alarm chain pulling on the Pushpak Express caused panic among passengers. The train, traveling from Lucknow to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, had to stop due to the chain pulling incident. In the ensuing chaos, some passengers deboarded the train, fearing for their safety. At the same time, the Karnataka Express, traveling in the opposite direction, crossed the area.
According to Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Central Railway, a few passengers were struck by the Karnataka Express. Initial reports confirm that 7-8 passengers sustained injuries. Local authorities and nearby hospitals have been contacted to provide assistance to the injured passengers.
The Railway’s Accident Relief Medical Van has already departed from Bhusawal and is en route to the site for immediate medical support. Meanwhile, the Karnataka Express has resumed its onward journey, and the Pushpak Express will continue its journey after the injured passengers receive necessary aid. Further details about the incident and the passengers’ condition are awaited.
"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.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis reacted and said, "The unfortunate incident near Pachora in Jalgaon district in which some people lost their lives is very painful. I pay my heartfelt tributes to them. My colleague Minister Girish Mahajan and the Superintendent of Police have reached the spot and the District Collector will reach there shortly. The entire district administration is working in coordination with the railway administration and immediate arrangements are being made for the treatment of the injured. 8 ambulances have been dispatched. The general hospital as well as other nearby private hospitals have been kept ready for the treatment of the injured. Emergency equipment like glass cutters, floodlights etc. have also been kept ready. We are monitoring the entire situation and all necessary assistance is being provided immediately. I am in touch with the district administration."
Reports suggested that the train was issued a caution order due to ongoing track work in the area. As the brakes were applied, sparks emerged from the wheels, leading to rumors that the train had caught fire.
Panic spread rapidly among the passengers, prompting some to jump off the moving train in fear. Tragically, around a dozen passengers landed on an adjacent track and were struck by the Karnataka Express, which was approaching simultaneously. At least 30 to 40 others, who also jumped from the train, suffered injuries.
The injured passengers were rushed to a nearby rural hospital for medical treatment. Senior railway officials and local authorities have reached the site to manage rescue efforts and investigate the incident.
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.
The railway's Senior Section Engineer, along with local administration officials, has already reached the location to assess the situation and coordinate emergency measures.
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.
Authorities rushed to the scene to provide emergency assistance and investigate the incident. 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.
Railways announces ex-gratia compensation
The Indian Railways has announced an ex gratia payment for the victims' families:
- Rs 1.5 lakh for those who lost their lives.
- Rs 50,000 for passengers who sustained grievous injuries.
- Rs 5,000 for minor injuries.