Jalgaon Train Disaster: 13 Lives Lost, Including Four Nepali Nationals
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Synopsis
The Jalgaon train tragedy in Maharashtra has claimed 13 lives, including four Nepali nationals. Panic ensued on the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express due to a fire rumor, causing several passengers to jump off, leading to fatal collisions with the Karnataka Express.
Key Takeaways
- Tragic Jalgaon train accident resulted in 13 deaths.
- Four Nepali nationals among the deceased.
- Panic triggered by a fire rumor.
- Compensation announced for victims' families.
- Prime Minister and Chief Minister express condolences.
New Delhi, Jan 23 (NationPress) The toll from the tragic Jalgaon train accident in Maharashtra has escalated to 13 fatalities, with officials confirming that among the deceased are four Nepali nationals. This calamity unfolded following a rumor of fire on the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express, which incited a wave of panic among passengers. Many attempted to escape, leading to some being struck by another train.
The Maharashtra government has reported, through the Office of the Collector and District Magistrate, that the incident transpired around 5:05 p.m. The initial assessment indicates a total of 13 casualties and 10 individuals injured.
The deceased include four Nepali citizens. Of the 13 fatalities, seven have been identified, while details concerning the remaining six are still unknown. Among those who lost their lives, there were four females.
This incident took place between Maheji and Pardhade stations, approximately 400 km from Mumbai. The train, traveling from Lucknow to Mumbai, abruptly halted after some passengers pulled the emergency chain due to a fire scare. Several passengers exited the Pushpak Express and were subsequently hit by the oncoming Karnataka Express, which was en route from Bengaluru to Delhi.
Reports indicated that sparks ignited within one of the Pushpak Express coaches, potentially caused by a 'hot axle' or 'brake-binding'. The ensuing panic led passengers to pull the emergency chain, prompting some to leap onto the tracks, coinciding with the passage of the Karnataka Express on an adjacent track. Disturbing images depicted bodies strewn across the tracks, with others seen in distress covered in blood.
The Railway Ministry has proposed a compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh each for the victims' families, Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured, and Rs 5,000 for minor injuries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences to the victims' families, expressing his sorrow over the devastating accident on the railway tracks in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. He offered prayers for the swift recovery of the injured and noted that authorities are extending all necessary aid to those affected, as he posted on X.
Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, announced a financial support package of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased. He expressed his sorrow over the incident in a video message on X, stating that the state government will cover all medical expenses for the injured and prayed for their rapid recovery.
