Jalgaon Train Accident: At Least 11 Dead After Passengers Jump Off Pushpak Express, Run Over by Karnataka Express

At least 11 passengers aboard the Pushpak Express were killed after they were run over by the incoming Karnataka Express in Jalgaon district, Maharashtra, on Wednesday evening, January 22. The tragedy unfolded after some passengers jumped off the Pushpak Express, fearing a fire in their coach, unaware that another train was approaching on the adjacent track.

What Happened?

• The incident occurred around 4 PM between Maheji and Pardhade stations near Pachora in Jalgaon district, where the Pushpak Express had halted.
• Passengers had noticed sparking inside one of the coaches, which they mistakenly believed to be a fire.
• In panic, some passengers pulled the emergency chain, stopping the train.
• Fearing the fire, they jumped off the train onto a nearby track, unaware that the Karnataka Express was fast approaching.
• Tragically, at least 11 people were killed after being struck by the Karnataka Express, and eight others sustained injuries.

What Led to the Accident?

1. Around 4 PM, passengers on the 12533 Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express noticed sparks in the coach, which they feared was a fire.
2. Some passengers pulled the emergency chain near Pachora, halting the train.
3. In a bid to escape, the passengers jumped off onto the adjacent track, unaware of the approaching Karnataka Express.
4. The Karnataka Express hit the passengers, killing 11 and injuring 8.
5. The incident took place more than 400 km from Mumbai.
6. According to preliminary reports, sparks in the Pushpak Express were caused by either a "hot axle" or "brake-binding" (jamming), triggering panic among passengers, according to a senior railway official.
7. IG Karale confirmed a "fire incident" occurred on the Pushpak Express at km 372/07 between Maheji and Pardhade stations.
8. An Accident Relief Train was dispatched to the site from Bhusawal.
9. Injured passengers are being treated at local hospitals; none of the injuries are reported to be serious.
10. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis instructed both government and private hospitals in the region to be ready for emergency treatment.

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde expressed his condolences, calling the incident "very unfortunate" and assured that rescue operations were underway. Both the Pushpak Express and Karnataka Express have since reached their respective destinations, and the accident site has been cleared.