A tragic train accident in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district claimed the lives of 13 people after panic broke out aboard the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express. The chaos, reportedly triggered by a tea seller’s false claim of a fire, led passengers to jump from the train, resulting in a devastating collision with another train on an adjacent track.
The Incident: Panic on the Pushpak Express
The accident unfolded on Tuesday evening between Maheji and Pardhade stations near Pachora town in North Maharashtra. A tea seller allegedly started the rumor by shouting about a fire in one of the train's coaches and pulling the emergency chain to stop the train.
As the train slowed down, passengers, fearing for their lives, began jumping out of the train in a desperate bid to escape the perceived danger. Tragically, several passengers landed directly on the adjacent track, where the Karnataka Express was passing, leading to the horrific loss of life.
An eyewitness at the scene recounted the horrifying events:
"A tea seller started the rumor by claiming the train had caught fire. He himself pulled the emergency chain, and as the train slowed down, passengers began jumping out in panic. Some jumped directly onto the track where the Karnataka Express was passing and were crushed."
The eyewitness also pointed out that hundreds of others who jumped in the opposite direction were spared, as there was no track on that side.
"If they had all jumped on the track side, the death toll would have been even higher," he added.
Details of the Accident
According to Central Railway officials, the incident occurred around 4:45 pm when the emergency chain was pulled. Authorities have confirmed that no fire or spark was observed in the train, debunking the rumor that led to the tragedy.
Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity at the Railway Board, stated:
"Based on the information we have received, no fire or spark was observed inside the coach."
Casualties and Compensation
The death toll rose to 13 as several injured passengers succumbed to their injuries. Among the victims, eight have been identified, with two confirmed through their Aadhaar cards.
Authorities, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, expressed their condolences to the victims' families. Both the central and state governments have announced compensation:
- Railway Ministry: ₹1.5 lakh for the kin of the deceased, ₹50,000 for the seriously injured, and ₹5,000 for minor injuries.
- Maharashtra Government: ₹5 lakh ex gratia for the families of the deceased and full medical expenses for the injured.
Investigation Underway
The Commissioner of Railway Safety for the Central Circle has initiated a probe into the circumstances that led to this tragic accident. The tea seller, whose actions allegedly triggered the panic, is likely to be questioned as part of the investigation.
Public Reaction and Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish over the tragedy in a statement:
"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. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected."
The tragedy has sparked widespread sorrow and concern across the country. Questions are being raised about the need for better passenger awareness and effective measures to prevent the spread of misinformation during emergencies.
Lessons from the Jalgaon Tragedy
This devastating incident highlights the catastrophic consequences of misinformation. A false rumor, likely spread in haste or ignorance, caused unnecessary panic that resulted in 13 deaths and numerous injuries.
The tragedy also underscores the need for:
1. Stronger Crowd Management: Ensuring better communication and protocols during emergencies to prevent panic.
2. Public Awareness: Educating passengers about safety procedures and the dangers of jumping from moving trains.
3.Accountability: Investigating and holding individuals responsible for actions that lead to such catastrophic outcomes.
Conclusion
The Jalgaon train tragedy is a grim reminder of how quickly panic can turn deadly, especially in high-risk environments like crowded trains. While the families of the victims mourn their loss, this incident calls for immediate action from authorities to improve safety measures and prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the investigation continues, the hope remains that lessons learned from this heartbreaking event will lead to reforms that ensure passenger safety and prevent the spread of dangerous rumors.
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