12 dead, 35 injured in Jalgaon train tragedy after false fire alarm

A horrifying incident at Pachora Railway Station in Jalgaon district claimed the lives of 12 passengers and injured over 35 others when chaos erupted aboard the Pushpak Express following a false fire alarm. The tragedy unfolded as passengers, panicked by the rumor, jumped off the moving train and were struck by the oncoming Karnataka Express on an adjacent track.

Chain Pulling Leads to Chaos

The incident began when passengers aboard the Lucknow-to-Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus-bound Pushpak Express noticed sparks from the wheels, likely caused by a “hot axle” or “brake binding.” Mistaking this for a fire, alarmed passengers pulled the emergency chain, causing the train to halt abruptly. In the ensuing panic, many jumped off the moving train in an attempt to save themselves.

Collision with Karnataka Express

Tragically, several passengers landed on the adjacent track, just as the Karnataka Express approached in the opposite direction. Twelve people were killed instantly, and dozens sustained injuries.

Relief and Rescue Operations

Local authorities and railway officials quickly mobilized resources to manage the crisis. The Railway’s Accident Relief Medical Van from Bhusawal rushed to the site, and ambulances transported injured passengers to nearby hospitals. Emergency equipment, including glass cutters and floodlights, was deployed to aid rescue efforts.

Senior railway officials, including the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) from Bhusawal and the Senior Section Engineer, reached the site to oversee operations. Maharashtra’s Guardian Minister for Jalgaon, Gulabrao Patil, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed their condolences and pledged full support to the rescue mission.

Government Response

Chief Minister Fadnavis assured that the district administration and railway officials were working in tandem to provide immediate medical care to the injured. “The incident is deeply painful, and all necessary measures are being taken to assist the victims,” he said. Eight ambulances were dispatched, and hospitals in the area, both government and private, were prepared to handle the influx of patients.

Investigation Underway

Authorities are probing the source of the false fire alarm that led to the panic. Early reports suggest that the sparks from the train's wheels may have been misinterpreted as flames. Efforts are also underway to identify the victims and ensure that their families are informed.

Precautionary Measures

Railway officials have emphasized the need for better awareness and protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future. “False alarms can lead to devastating consequences, and it’s imperative to educate passengers on safety measures,” a senior railway official stated.

This heartbreaking event underscores the importance of maintaining calm during emergencies and ensuring clear communication to avoid unnecessary panic. Further updates on the condition of the injured and the investigation are awaited.