Jalgaon train accident: 13 dead as passengers jump off Pushpak Express after rumour of a fire, run over by incoming Karnataka Express

At least 13 passengers of Mumbai-bound Pushpak Express, who got off the train after an alarm chain-pulling incident, were run over by another train coming from the opposite direction on the adjacent tracks in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district Wednesday evening. Ten more passengers were injured, four of them critically.

Jalgaon Guardian Minister Gulabrao Patil said the passengers, mostly from the general compartment, were spooked by a rumour that the train had caught fire, and jumped out of the train.

“There was a chain-pulling incident that caused the train to come to an abrupt halt when the emergency brakes were applied. The friction from the brakes caused sparks to fly from the tracks. Passengers in the general compartment, fearing the train had caught fire, jumped from both exits. The Karnataka Express, traveling at over 130 kmph from the opposite side on the adjacent tracks, ran over these passengers, resulting in the tragic loss of lives,” Patil said.

The Railways confirmed there was no fire.

Confirming the deaths, Dr Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Central Railways, said, “Amidst a chain pulling incident on the Pushpak Express, several passengers got off the train and were tragically struck by the passing Karnataka Express…The exact cause of the alarm chain-pulling is still being investigated.”

Officials said the incident took place around 5 pm near Pachora between Maheji and Pardhane stations.

A senior Railway official said visibility at the location was significantly impaired by a curve in the tracks, which hindered both the locomotive driver and the passengers from seeing each other in time to avoid the incident. The Pushpak Express driver had activated the flasher lights as per protocol, which were noticed by the Karnataka Express driver, but due to the curvature of the tracks, could not apply the brakes in time.

“The driver of the Pushpak Express activated the flasher lights after stopping, as required. The Karnataka Express driver saw the lights and applied brakes. However, the two-degree curvature near the site obstructed visibility and reduced the braking distance. This curve also hindered passengers from seeing the approaching train. Despite the pilots’ best efforts, the collision could not be avoided,” the official said.

While the Pushpak Express was heading to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus from Lucknow, the Karnataka Express was running between Bengaluru and New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths and wished speedy recovery to the injured. In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office quoted him as saying, “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 Railway Ministry, which ordered a probe into the incident, announced ex gratia of Rs 1.5 lakh for those dead, Rs 50,000 for grievous injuries and Rs 5,000 for simple injury.

Expressing condolences to the families of those killed, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw sought complete information about the incident from the Railway Board Chairman and other officials and gave instructions for proper treatment of all the injured.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced Rs 5 lakh in financial assistance for the families of those who lost their lives. The state government will also cover all medical expenses for the injured.

Jalgaon District Collector Prasad said most of the passengers were from Uttar Pradesh. “The Pushpak Express was coming from Lucknow and was going to Mumbai. Most of the passengers were from Uttar Pradesh and were in the unreserved general compartment.”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended condolences to the families of those who died.

“Arrangements for ambulances to be sent to the spot have been made in coordination with the local administration authorities. An Accident Relief Train has been dispatched from Bhusaval, and Central Railways is making all efforts to provide medical aid to the injured passengers,” CPRO Nila said.

Fadnavis said state minister Girish Mahajan and the SP were at the site. “The district administration, in close coordination with the railway authorities, is ensuring swift action for ensuring treatment of the injured persons. Eight ambulances were dispatched. General Hospital and nearby private hospitals (are) on standby. Emergency tools like glass cutters and floodlights are kept ready,” he said in a post on X. “We are closely monitoring the situation, and all necessary assistance and help is being provided without delay. I am in constant touch with the district administration.”