Chaos broke out at Paranda railway station in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district when rumours of a fire on the Pushpak Express led passengers to jump off the train in panic. Tragically, at least 11 people were killed and several injured after they were struck by the approaching Karnataka Express traveling on an adjacent track.
The incident occurred around 5 pm when the Pushpak Express, en route from Lucknow to Mumbai, stopped after passengers pulled the emergency chain. The Karnataka Express, traveling from Manmad to Bhusawal, was approaching on the parallel track at the time.
Panic And Tragic Consequences
Eyewitnesses report that sparks appeared from the wheels of the halted Pushpak Express, which caused a rumour of a fire to spread quickly among the passengers. In a desperate attempt to escape, many passengers jumped from the train, only to be struck by the oncoming Karnataka Express.
Preliminary reports confirm that 11 fatalities occurred, with 30 to 40 others injured in the tragedy.
Rescue And Relief Efforts Underway
Jalgaon’s Superintendent of Police (SP) confirmed the fatalities and injuries, attributing the deaths to passengers jumping from the train after rumours of a fire. Railway authorities, including Bhusawal’s Divisional Railway Manager, along with medical teams and local administration, have reached the site to manage the ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
A Railway Ministry official stated that some passengers who performed Alarm Chain Pulling (ACP) got off the Pushpak Express and were hit by the Karnataka Express.
State government teams and rescue personnel are continuing to provide medical attention to the injured and investigate the cause of the incident.
(More details awaited)
Also Read: Manipur: Lone JDU MLA Withdraws Support From BJP Government, Party Expels Him