Jalgaon train accident: Pushpak Express passengers mowed down by train, death toll rises to 12

Disaster on tracks

At least  twelve people were killed after being run over by the Karnataka Express in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon on Wednesday, news agency IANS reported city officials.  The accident occured near the Paranda railway station.

Atleast  six others were injured and hospitalized, reports AP citing police officer Dattatraya Karale.

A false fire alarm in the Pushpak Express at Jalgaon's Paranda railway station triggered panic, causing passengers to jump off. At that very moment, the Bengaluru Express, travelling in the opposite direction, collided with the passengers who had jumped onto the tracks.

According to preliminary reports, passengers aboard the Pushpak Express, which was traveling from Lucknow to Mumbai, noticed sparks while the train was braking. Fearing a fire onboard, the passengers panicked and began fleeing the train, jumping onto the tracks in a frantic attempt to escape. Tragically, as they attempted to cross the tracks, they were struck by the Karnataka Express, which was traveling in the opposite direction.

Jalgaon, Maharashtra: A false fire alarm in the Pushpak Express at Paranda Railway Station caused panicked passengers to jump off the train. Tragically, several were run over by the Karnataka Express passing on another track https://t.co/Gs3RGOnksa pic.twitter.com/lmIHkE6IKb
IANS (@ians_india) January 22, 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the Pushpak train accident and has ordered adequate medical treatment for the injured.  "Some passengers of the Pushpak Express stepped down, and were hit by the oncoming Karnataka Express," reported Hindustan Times quoting Central Railway's chief spokesperson Swapnil Nila.

Reacting to the tragic incident, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the mishap. "The tragic incident of the loss of lives in a very unfortunate incident near Pachora in Jalgaon district is deeply distressing. I pay my heartfelt tributes to them. My colleague Minister Girish Mahajan and the Superintendent of Police have reached the spot, and the District Collector will reach there shortly. The entire district administration is working in coordination with the railway administration, and immediate arrangements are being made for the treatment of the injured. 8 ambulances have been dispatched. The general hospital as well as other nearby private hospitals have been kept ready for the treatment of the injured. Emergency equipment like glass cutters, floodlights etc. have also been kept ready. We are monitoring the entire situation and all necessary assistance is being provided immediately. I am in touch with the district administration," tweeted Fadnavis.