12 killed after being hit by Karnataka Express in Maharashtra

Mumbai: At least 12 people were killed on Wednesday after being hit by an oncoming train in Jalgaon district, North Maharashtra, according to Central Railway officials. The incident occurred near Pardhade station, close to Pachora when the Pushpak Express halted around 5 pm after someone pulled the chain due to a fire rumour onboard, officials stated.

Following the halt, a few passengers from the Pushpak Express disembarked and were struck by the Karnataka Express approaching the adjacent track, Central Railway’s chief spokesperson Swapnil Nila confirmed.

"Our preliminary information is that there were sparks inside one of the coaches of Pushpak Express due to either ‘hot axle’ or ‘brake-binding’ (jamming), and some passengers panicked. They pulled the chain, and some of them jumped down on the tracks.

"At the same time, Karnataka Express was passing on the adjoining track," explained a senior railway official to PTI. Maharashtra Minister Gulabrao Patil, who is also the guardian minister of Jalgaon, said, "Senior officials are reaching the spot, after which more information will be available."

Responding to the tragedy, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "A very tragic incident has occurred in Jalgaon. Some people thought that smoke was coming out of the train, so they panicked and jumped off, only to be hit by an oncoming train, leading to this accident."

He announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased. "Our minister, Girish Mahajan, has reached the spot, and arrangements are being made to ensure proper treatment for the injured and the deceased. I have spoken to the police and district administration. The state government will provide a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased, and the injured will receive free medical treatment," he added.