12 Dead As Passengers Jump Off Pushpak Express After Fire Rumour, Get Run Over By Karnataka Express

Pushpak Express Accident: In a tragic accident, at least 12 people lost their lives after stepping onto the tracks and being struck by an oncoming train in North Maharashtra's Jalgaon district on Wednesday evening. According to Central Railway officials, the incident occurred near Pardhade station, close to Pachora, when the Pushpak Express came to an unscheduled halt around 5 p.m. following a chain pull triggered by rumors of a fire onboard. The Indian Railways has issued a helpline number from Lucknow Jn station and the number is 8957409292.

Pachora, located over 400 km from Mumbai, became the site of the tragedy when some passengers of the halted Pushpak Express disembarked onto the tracks and were hit by the Karnataka Express traveling in the opposite direction. Central Railway's chief spokesperson, Swapnil Nila, confirmed the incident.

An emergency relief train has been dispatched from Bhusawal, and Central Railway is making every possible effort to provide medical assistance to the injured passengers.

अफवाह से पुष्पक एक्सप्रेस से कूदे यात्री.. हादसे की तस्वीरें विचलित कर सकती हैं #IndianRailways #TrainAccident #Maharashtra #KarnatakaExpress @pratyushkkhare @pandeyambarish pic.twitter.com/FqRj2OJB8k — Zee News (@ZeeNews) January 22, 2025

"Our preliminary information is that there were sparks inside one of the coaches of Pushpak Express due to either `hot axle' or `brake-binding' (jamming), and some passengers panicked. They pulled the chain, and some of them jumped down on the tracks. At the same time, Karnataka Express was passing on the adjoining track," a senior railway official told PTI. "Senior officials are reaching the spot, after which more information will be available," said Maharashtra minister Gulabrao Patil who is also the guardian minister of Jalgaon.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reacted to the accident. ""The train accident in Jalgaon, Maharashtra is extremely sad. I spoke to Chief Minister Dev Fadnavis in this regard and got information about the accident. The local administration is providing all possible help to the injured. I express my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured," he said.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said, "The unfortunate incident near Pachora in Jalgaon district in which some people lost their lives is very painful. I pay my heartfelt tributes to them. My colleague Minister Girish Mahajan and the Superintendent of Police have reached the spot and the District Collector will reach there shortly. The entire district administration is working in coordination with the railway administration and immediate arrangements are being made for the treatment of the injured. 8 ambulances have been dispatched. The general hospital as well as other nearby private hospitals have been kept ready for the treatment of the injured. Emergency equipment like glass cutters, floodlights etc. have also been kept ready. We are monitoring the entire situation and all necessary assistance is being provided immediately. I am in touch with the district administration."

Central Railway said in a statement that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has expressed deep grief over Jalgaon train accident. "He has collected complete information from Railway Board chief and other officials. He has also directed them for the adequate medical treatment of the injured. He has also expressed condolences to the deceased," it said.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the Pushpak train accident. He has ordered adequate medical treatment for the injured, also condoled the demise of passengers, said Uttar Pradesh CMO.

"Senior officials are reaching the spot, after which more information will be available," said Maharashtra minister Gulabrao Patil who is also the guardian minister of Jalgaon.