New Delhi: At least 11 people were killed and five injured in Jalgaon, North Maharashtra, after being struck by a train on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred when passengers of the Pushpak Express, reportedly panicked by a hoax fire alarm, jumped onto the tracks and were hit by the oncoming Karnataka Express.
According to Jalgaon District Commissioner Ayush Prasad, the incident involved two trains crossing each other. Passengers, possibly fearing a fire on board the Pushpak Express, deboarded the train and were subsequently run over by the other train.
Over 50 passengers jumped
It is estimated that over 50 passengers jumped from the train. Those who jumped onto the right side of the tracks after the chain pulling were struck by the approaching train. Some reportedly fell to their deaths from the railway bridge, TV9 Network reported.
The accident took place near Pachora station, where the Pushpak Express had stopped after someone pulled the alarm chain around 5 pm due to the fire rumour. Central Railway’s chief spokesperson, Swapnil Nila, confirmed that some of the deboarded passengers were then hit by the Karnataka Express.
Rumours of fire spread in third AC first
In the viral video, the bodies of the people who died are being seen near the third AC of the train. In such a situation, it is feared that the rumour of fire spread in the third AC first.
According to the National Train System, the train has been dispatched from the spot. Due to the incident, the train was halted at Parande for about 20 minutes, but the train left for Mumbai without seeing a signal or any major danger, TV9 Network reported.
What railways sources indicated?
Railway Ministry sources indicate that many passengers had boarded the Pushpak Express at Jalgaon. They then used the alarm chain to stop the train and attempted to cross the tracks from the wrong side, leading to the collision with the Karnataka Express.
