At least 12 passengers of the Pushpak Express lost their lives after being run over by an incoming Karnataka Express in Jalgaon district, Maharashtra, on the evening of Wednesday, January 22. The tragic incident occurred when passengers, fearing a fire in their coach, jumped onto the nearby tracks, unaware that another train, the Karnataka Express, was approaching on an adjacent track. 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of the victims who lost their lives in the Jalgaon train accident on Wednesday. The state government will also cover all medical expenses for those injured in the tragic incident, the CM confirmed.

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The collision resulted in the deaths of 12 passengers, and several others were injured. The incident took place around 4 pm between Maheji and Pardhade stations near Pachora, where the Pushpak Express had halted. Initial reports suggest that the passengers had panicked after spotting sparks inside one of the coaches, which they believed to be a fire. 

They pulled the emergency chain to stop the train, but in their rush to escape, they jumped onto the tracks, leading to the fatal collision with the oncoming Karnataka Express.

What led to the Jalgaon train accident?

  1. Around 4 pm, passengers aboard the 12533 Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express noticed sparks and feared a fire in their coach.
  2. In panic, some passengers pulled the emergency chain, halting the train near Pachora in Jalgaon district.
  3. To escape, passengers leaped from the coach, not realizing that the Karnataka Express was speeding toward them on the adjacent track.
  4. At least 12 people were killed after being struck by the Karnataka Express, and eight others sustained injuries.
  5. The incident occurred over 400 km away from Mumbai.
  6. Preliminary investigations indicate that the sparks inside the Pushpak Express were likely due to either a ‘hot axle’ or ‘brake-binding,’ which triggered the panic.
  7. IG Karale confirmed that a “fire incident” had occurred on the Pushpak Express at km 372/07, between Maheji and Pardhade stations.
  8. An Accident Relief Train has been dispatched from Bhusaval to the scene.
  9. Injured passengers are being treated at local hospitals; fortunately, none of the injuries are considered life-threatening.
  10. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed both government and private hospitals in the area to be prepared for treating the injured.

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde expressed his condolences, stating, “The Jalgaon incident is very unfortunate. I have collected details on it. I have spoken with the Collector and officers. The injured have been admitted to the hospital. Rescue operation is underway at the spot. Government is providing all help to everyone.”