Jalgaon Maharashtra Train Accident: A devastating train collision in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district on Wednesday has claimed the lives of 13 people, as confirmed by officials. The tragic incident occurred near Pachora, where the Karnataka Express collided with the Pushpak Express, leading to a significant loss of life and injuries among passengers.
Emergency response teams were swiftly deployed to the site, and rescue operations continued through the night. Authorities have assured all possible assistance to the affected families, including medical aid and financial compensation. Officials have expressed their condolences and are closely monitoring the situation while investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident.
On January 22, the Pushpak Express, which was travelling from Lucknow to Mumbai, experienced a sudden emergency situation, causing passengers to panic and jump onto the tracks. In a devastating twist, they were hit by the Karnataka Express, which was heading from Bengaluru to Delhi. The collision resulted in 12 fatalities and left five others severely injured. The injured passengers were rushed to the Civil Hospital in Jalgaon, where they are receiving medical care. Four others sustained minor injuries.
One of the injured individuals receiving treatment at the hospital recounted the incident, saying, “When we heard people shouting about a fire, we immediately got off the train. We managed to stop the train and began running for safety. Meanwhile, another train approached from the opposite direction, and people quickly boarded it.”
Hakim Ansari, who is currently receiving treatment at the hospital, recalled the incident, saying, “Suddenly, people started shouting about a fire, and everyone began to run in panic. The Pushpak Express came to a halt after someone pulled the emergency chain. The injuries occurred when the Karnataka Express arrived on the adjacent track.”
Ex Gratia Announced by the Centre and State
The government has acted swiftly in the aftermath of the accident. The Centre has announced ex gratia payments of Rs 1.5 lakh to the families of each deceased victim. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the state government would bear the medical expenses of those injured in the accident.
Fadnavis has expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in the recent train accident near Pachora in Jalgaon district. In a video message from Davos, Switzerland, he stated, “The tragic loss of lives in this unfortunate incident is deeply distressing. I offer my heartfelt tributes to the victims.”
Fadnavis assured the public that the state government is taking all necessary measures to address the aftermath of the accident. “We have made emergency equipment such as glass cutters and floodlights readily available. We are closely monitoring the situation, and all required assistance is being provided immediately. I remain in constant contact with the district administration,” he added.
In his message, the Chief Minister also guaranteed that the state would cover the medical expenses for those injured in the accident, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting the affected families and individuals.
In addition, the Railway Ministry has pledged financial assistance for those who were injured. Serious injuries will result in an ex gratia of Rs 50,000 for victims like Hasan Ali, Vijay Kumar, Uttam Harjan, Dharma Sawant, and Abu Mohammad. Those who suffered minor injuries, including Moharam, Hakeem Ansari, Deepak Thapa, and Hujala Sawant, will receive Rs 5,000 as compensation.
Government Support
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences for the victims and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. His office posted a statement on social media, stating: “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.”
Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s state government has announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the incident.
Ongoing Investigation
Jalgaon Superintendent of Police, Maheswar Reddy, confirmed that the injured passengers were receiving medical attention and stated that a full investigation would be conducted once the Railway Department submits its report. The authorities are working tirelessly to ensure that all affected individuals receive the necessary support and that the cause of the accident is thoroughly examined.
This devastating event has left the people of Jalgaon and Maharashtra in shock, with communities coming together to support the victims and their families in this difficult time.