Jalgaon: The death toll from the stampede that took place in Mumbai Pushpak Express train rose to 13 on Thursday. The incident took place on Wednesday evening in Jalgaon district of Maharashtra, after a rumor of a fire spread among the passengers aboard the train.
In a panic to escape, many passengers jumped onto the adjacent tracks, only to be hit by a moving train.
How stampede took place
The stampede took place between Maheji and Pardhade stations, near Pachora town in Jalgaon, when passengers aboard the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express panicked due to the false rumor of a fire in the train.
In a rush to flee, several passengers jumped onto the tracks and were struck by Karnataka Express, traveling from Bengaluru to Delhi in the opposite direction. Officials said that at least 13 people lost their lives in this accident and around 15 others were injured. The injured are currently receiving medical treatment.
Railway officials said that there was no fire inside Pushpak Express. Dilip Kumar, executive director of Railway Board’s Information and Publicity Department, denied the presence of any fire in any coach.
The railway authorities are currently investigating the cause behind the spread of the rumor and the subsequent stampede.
PM Modi expresses condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident. The PMO posted on X, quoting PM Modi, “I am saddened by the tragic accident on the railway track in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. I express my condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured. Officials are providing all possible help to the affected people.”
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: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 22, 2025
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is currently in Davos, Switzerland, also expressed his condolences. He released a video saying, “People lost their lives in a very unfortunate incident near Pachora in Jalgaon district, which is very sad. I pay tribute to them.” He also announced a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased.
जळगाव जिल्ह्यातील दुर्दैवी अपघातातील मृतांच्या वारसांना 5 लाख रुपये आर्थिक सहाय्य राज्य सरकारतर्फे करण्यात येईल आणि जखमींचा संपूर्ण खर्च सुद्धा राज्य सरकार करेल.
जखमींच्या प्रकृतीत लवकर सुधारणा व्हावी, अशी मी ईश्वरचरणी प्रार्थना करतो.#jalgaon pic.twitter.com/NHTUr1JTqw— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) January 22, 2025
Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the incident as extremely sad. He posted on X, “The train accident in Jalgaon, Maharashtra is extremely sad. I spoke to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in this regard and took stock of the situation. The local administration is providing all possible help to the injured. I express my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
महाराष्ट्र के जलगांव में हुआ रेल हादसा अत्यंत दुःखद है। इस संबंध में मुख्यमंत्री श्री @Dev_Fadnavis जी से बात कर हादसे की जानकारी ली। स्थानीय प्रशासन घायलों को हर संभव मदद पहुँचा रहा है। इस दुर्घटना में जान गँवाने वाले लोगों के परिजनों के प्रति गहरी संवेदनाएँ व्यक्त करता हूँ और…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 22, 2025
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav expresses grief
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, who is also in Switzerland, expressed his sorrow over the incident. A statement from Railway Board said, “Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has expressed deep grief over the incident. He took complete information about the incident from the Chairman of the Railway Board and other officials and directed for proper treatment of all the injured.”
The Railway Board announced compensation for the victims. The families of the deceased will receive Rs 1.5 lakh each, while seriously injured passengers will be given Rs 50,000. Those with minor injuries will be provided Rs 5,000 in assistance.
