Mumbai: At least 11 people were killed on Wednesday after jumping off a train in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district, following rumors of a fire and an impending collision with another train. The incident occurred between Maheji and Pardhade stations, around 400 km from Mumbai.
The tragedy unfolded when the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express halted around 5 pm after a passenger pulled the emergency chain due to the fire rumors. Some passengers jumped off the train and were struck by the oncoming Karnataka Express traveling from Bengaluru to Delhi, according to Central Railway officials.
An accident relief train was dispatched from Bhusaval, and medical aid was provided to the injured passengers. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, announced financial aid of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased. He also confirmed that the state government would cover the medical expenses of the injured.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed condolences and spoke with the Chief Minister about the incident, while Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw directed immediate attention to the injured passengers and ordered a probe into the tragedy.
