Negligence Led to Jalgaon Train Disaster: Majeed Memon Critiques Indian Railways
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Synopsis
Mumbai, Jan 23 (NationPress) Senior NCP (SP) leader Majeed Memon criticized the Indian Railways after the Jalgaon train disaster resulted in 13 fatalities, including four Nepali nationals. He highlighted negligence and questioned safety protocols, calling for thorough investigations into the incident.
Key Takeaways
- Majeed Memon condemns Indian Railways for negligence.
- 13 fatalities in the Jalgaon train accident.
- Chaos ensued due to fire rumors.
- Investigation needed into safety measures.
- Compensation announced for victims' families.
Mumbai, Jan 23 (NationPress) Senior NCP (SP) figure Majeed Memon criticized the Indian Railways on Thursday following the devastating Jalgaon train accident that resulted in the loss of 13 lives, including four Nepali citizens.
"The incident in Jalgaon is extremely tragic. The community is questioning why these innocent individuals had to die," Memon expressed to IANS.
He scrutinized the actions of railway personnel and the existing safety protocols, accusing them of negligence.
"Numerous trains operate daily, and there is always a supervisor assigned to monitor the trains. What was his role during the incident? Furthermore, there should have been an alarm or preventive measures to avert such disasters," Memon continued.
Addressing the chaos experienced by passengers amid rumors of a fire, Memon queried, "Was there genuinely a fire? If so, what caused it, and were there sufficient measures in place to manage it? Why did the supervisor not soothe the passengers? All these factors must be thoroughly examined."
The calamity took place on Wednesday evening between Maheji and Pardhade stations near Pachora, about 400 km from Mumbai. A false alarm regarding a fire on the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express incited panic, leading passengers to activate the emergency chain.
Many passengers leaped from the train and were tragically struck by the oncoming Karnataka Express, which was traveling on the parallel track.
According to the report from the Maharashtra government, the incident occurred at 5:05 p.m., resulting in 13 deaths and 10 injuries. Among the deceased were four Nepali nationals and four women.
Initial investigations indicate that sparks from one of the Pushpak Express coaches, likely due to a 'hot axle' or 'brake-binding', triggered the panic.
Reports suggest some passengers activated the emergency chain, halting the train, while others jumped onto the tracks, culminating in the tragedy.
Heart-wrenching images from the scene depicted bodies strewn across the tracks and injured individuals covered in blood.
The Railway Ministry has declared compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 50,000 for those with serious injuries, and Rs 5,000 for minor injuries.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, currently attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, has pledged an additional Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased.
