Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar confirmed on Thursday that the tragic Jalgaon train accident, which claimed 13 lives, was triggered by rumours of a fire on the Pushpak Express. The panic led passengers to jump off the moving train, only to be struck by the oncoming Karnataka Express on an adjacent track.
Speaking to reporters, Pawar said the rumour was spread by two passengers, Udhal Kumar and Vijay Kumar, after they overheard a tea seller shouting about a fire in the bogie. “Both panicked, leading others to jump out of the train to save themselves. The train was moving at high speed when someone pulled the chain to stop it. Passengers then began crossing the railway track, where the Karnataka Express, traveling at a high speed, hit them,” he explained.
Among the 13 deceased, 10 have been identified, while three remain unidentified. The incident also left 10 passengers injured—eight males and two females—who are receiving treatment at the Civil Hospital in Jalgaon. Both Udhal Kumar and Vijay Kumar are among the injured and are currently under treatment.
The Railway Ministry has announced ex-gratia compensation of ₹1.5 lakh for the families of the deceased, ₹50,000 for those seriously injured, and ₹5,000 for individuals with minor injuries.
Deputy CM Pawar assured that railway services have resumed at the accident site and that all injured individuals are being treated at government expense. “Our ministers and Collectors are closely monitoring the situation,” he added.
The tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday evening when passengers stepped off the Pushpak Express due to the false fire alarm. As they attempted to cross the tracks, the speeding Karnataka Express struck them, leading to the fatalities and injuries. Authorities are now focusing on ensuring proper care for the victims and their families.