Maharashtra train accident: 12 killed after passengers jump off Pushpak Express

At least 12 persons were killed after they jumped off their train on the tracks and were run over by another train coming from the opposite direction in North Maharashtra's Jalgaon district on Wednesday evening, Central Railway officials said.

The accident took place near Pardhade station, near Pachora, where the Pushpak Express had halted after someone pulled the chain due to a rumour of fire on board around 5 pm, they said. Pachora is more than 400 km away from Mumbai.

Some passengers of the Pushpak Express stepped down and were hit by the oncoming Karnataka Express, said Central Railway's chief spokesperson Swapnil Nila.

Sparks in train, the trigger?

"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," a senior railway official said.

Maharashtra minister Gulabrao Patil on Wednesday said the death toll is likely to go up.

Maharashtra announces relief

The Maharashtra government has announced a Rs 5 lakh ex gracia for the kin of those killed in the train accident.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is in Davos, said in a video that the government will bear the cost of medical treatment for the injured persons. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said the exact number of the injured and deceased passengers is being ascertained.

Shinde said authorities have been directed to immediately shift the injured to the hospital and ensure they get proper treatment.

Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan expressed sorrow over the incident.

"Extremely saddened to know about the unfortunate death of some passengers after they were hit by another train near Jalgaon. Convey my condolences to the next of those who lost their lives. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured," he stated.

'Modi should resign'

Senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said the incident was heart-wrenching.

Wadettiwar demanded necessary facilities for treating the injured passengers and investigation by the Railways to prevent such incidents.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also expressed condolences.

"Passengers jumped out of the express in fear as they thought the train was on fire, leading to this unfortunate accident. Heartfelt condolences to the passengers who lost their lives. Prayers for the injured passengers to get proper treatment at the earliest and their health to improve," he said.

State Congress president Nana Patole said, "Lives have become cheap. There is no accountability now in this government. It's the failure of the Modi government and it should resign".

(With Agency inputs)