Jalgaon train tragedy: Death toll rises to 13; ₹1.5 lakh ex gratia announced for kin of deceased

Jalgaon: At least 13 people lost their lives on Wednesday evening in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district after a tragic train accident triggered by panic over a fire rumour. The incident occurred between Maheji and Pardhade stations near Pachora, about 400 km from Mumbai.

The Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express, a daily superfast train, halted around 5 PM when passengers pulled the emergency chain after spotting sparks in one of the coaches, reportedly caused by a "hot axle" or "brake-binding." Some passengers disembarked onto the tracks in fear and were struck by the Karnataka Express, which was traveling from Bengaluru to Delhi on an adjacent track.

Central Railway’s chief spokesperson Swapnil Nila confirmed that the Karnataka Express hit several passengers, leading to the deaths of 13 individuals and injuring others. Harrowing images from the scene showed bodies on the tracks and bloodied survivors in shock.

Among the 13 deceased, seven have been identified, while efforts are ongoing to identify the remaining victims. Missing body parts have complicated the process. Injured passengers were rushed to nearby hospitals, and an accident relief train was dispatched from Bhusaval to assist with rescue operations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling the incident "tragic" and assuring all possible assistance to the affected families. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking from Davos, announced Rs 5 lakh financial assistance for the families of the deceased and committed to covering the medical expenses of the injured. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his condolences and discussed the matter with the Chief Minister.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has directed officials to ensure immediate medical attention for the injured and is investigating the cause of the 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," the Office of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said in a statement.