Maharashtra: Fire rumour on Pushpak Express triggers panic; passengers jump off train and hit by oncoming train; 11 dead

Jalgaon tragedy: Eleven persons tragically lost their lives after a fire rumour on a train passing through Jalgaon, Maharashtra, sparked panic among passengers. Many passengers, fearing for their safety, jumped off the train and were struck by an oncoming train, said the police. 

Nashik Railway Divisional Commissioner Praveen Gedam said, "As per the information, 11 persons have died in the accident and five others are injured. Police and other officials are at the spot. Eight ambulances and several railway rescue vans have been sent to the spot...District Collector and DRM are in contact and all possible help is being provided."

The incident occurred between Maheji and Pardhade stations near Pachora, about 400 km from Mumbai, where the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express had stopped after a passenger pulled the emergency chain following the fire rumour. Central Railway officials reported the train had halted around 5 pm.

As some passengers of the Pushpak Express disembarked, they were hit by the Karnataka Express, which was travelling from Bengaluru to Delhi, according to Central Railway’s spokesperson, Swapnil Nila.

Preliminary investigations suggest that sparks inside one of the Pushpak Express coaches, possibly caused by a "hot axle" or "brake-binding" (jamming), triggered panic. In the chaos, some passengers jumped onto the tracks just as the Karnataka Express was passing on an adjacent track, a senior railway said.

An Accident Relief Train has been dispatched from Bhusaval, and efforts to provide medical aid to the injured are ongoing, said Central Railway. Disturbing images of bodies on the tracks and bloodied passengers wandering around have surfaced.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his grief over the tragic loss of lives. He assured that he was in contact with the district administration and that all necessary assistance was being provided.

“The tragic loss of lives near Pachora in Jalgaon is deeply distressing. I extend my heartfelt tributes to the victims. Minister Girish Mahajan and the Superintendent of Police are at the site, and the District Collector is en route,” Fadnavis posted on X in Marathi.

He further stated, “The district administration is coordinating with the railway authorities, and urgent measures are being taken for the treatment of the injured. Eight ambulances have been sent, and nearby hospitals are on standby. Emergency equipment like glass cutters and floodlights are also ready. We are closely monitoring the situation and ensuring immediate assistance.”

Maharashtra Minister Gulabrao Patil, who serves as the guardian minister of Jalgaon, confirmed that senior officials are heading to the site.