Jalgaon train accident: False fire alarm leads to 13 deaths in Maharashtra

In a heart-wrenching incident in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district, at least 13 passengers lost their lives on Wednesday evening, January 22, after jumping off the Mumbai-bound Pushpak Express due to a false fire alarm. Tragically, they were run over by another train, the Karnataka Express, which was traveling on the adjacent track. The accident also left 15 passengers injured, officials confirmed.

#UPDATE | Death toll in Jalgaon train accident rises to 13: Ayush Prasad, Collector Jalgaon

Yesterday, passengers of Pushpak Express were hit by Karnataka Express in Pachora of Jalgaon district.

— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2025

The tragedy unfolded near Pachora town between Maheji and Pardhade stations when someone pulled the chain of the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express, halting the train around 4:45 pm. Panic-stricken passengers, mistaking smoke from a mechanical issue as a sign of a fire, jumped off the train only to be hit by the Bengaluru-Delhi Karnataka Express speeding by on the neighboring tracks.

The Railway Board, however, denied any signs of fire or sparks in the coaches. Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity at the Railway Board, clarified, “Based on the information we have received, no fire or sparks were observed inside the coach.”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking in a video message from Davos, Switzerland, expressed his grief and announced ₹5 lakh financial aid for the families of the deceased. He added, “Some passengers mistakenly assumed smoke was coming out of the train and jumped. Unfortunately, they were run over by another train.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed their condolences. PM Modi tweeted, “Anguished by the tragic accident on the railway tracks in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured.”

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, also in Davos, sought detailed reports on the incident and instructed officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured. The Railway Board announced an ex gratia of ₹1.5 lakh for the families of the deceased, ₹50,000 for grievous injuries, and ₹5,000 for minor injuries.

Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes at the accident site, with mutilated bodies strewn along the tracks. Salman Pathan, a local resident, shared, “We saw headless bodies. A woman was crying inconsolably after losing her husband in the tragedy.”

Preliminary investigations suggested the panic was triggered by sparks or smoke due to either a “hot axle” or “brake binding,” common mechanical issues in trains. Manoj Arora, Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), Central Circle, has been tasked with investigating the incident. He assured that statements from passengers and eyewitnesses will be recorded as part of the probe.

The Pushpak Express and Karnataka Express resumed operations shortly after the accident, as authorities worked swiftly to clear the tracks. However, the tragedy has once again highlighted the importance of passenger safety and clear communication during emergencies.

This is a developing story.