Panic over fire rumor sparks fatal train accident in Maharashtra; 11 dead

A chilling sequence of events unfolded in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district, where a fire rumor on board a train triggered horrific panic, leading to the deaths of at least 11 people. The tragedy occurred after passengers, fearing the worst, jumped from the moving Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express, only to be struck by another passing train, the Karnataka Express.

The incident, which has left the region reeling, took place between Maheji and Pardhade stations near Pachora, about 400 kilometers from Mumbai, around 5 PM. The Pushpak Express had stopped after a passenger mistakenly pulled the emergency chain following a false fire alarm.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves across the nation, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressing his condolences. He assured the public that he is in close contact with district authorities to provide assistance and support to the victims' families.

According to Central Railway officials, sparks were reported inside one of the Pushpak Express coaches, likely caused by a "hot axle" or "brake-binding" issue, which led to the false panic. As passengers scrambled to exit the train in fear, several jumped onto the tracks, directly into the path of the oncoming Karnataka Express, which was traveling from Bengaluru to Delhi.

Central Railway spokesperson Swapnil Nila confirmed that the accident occurred on a parallel track, catching unsuspecting passengers in the worst possible scenario. Harrowing images from the site show bodies strewn across the tracks, and some survivors were seen wandering in shock, bloodied and in distress.

An accident relief train was quickly dispatched from Bhusaval, and emergency medical teams rushed to the scene to treat the injured. Authorities are working tirelessly to provide medical aid, and investigations into the cause of the panic continue.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a compensation of Rs. 5 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic train accident, along with assistance for the injured. He expressed:

"The state government will provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those who died in the unfortunate accident in Jalgaon district, and the state government will also bear the entire expenses of the injured. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of the injured."

This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fear and misinformation can escalate, resulting in devastating consequences. The railway authorities are reviewing safety protocols, and officials are urging passengers to stay calm in emergency situations to prevent further tragedies.