Maharashtra On Wednesday, January 22, 5:00 PM, a tragic train accident occurred near Jalgaon district in North Maharashtra, between Pardhade and Maheji railway stations.
What Happened?
Passengers on the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express noticed sparks inside one of the coaches, possibly due to a ‘hot axle’ or ‘brake-binding’ (jamming). Fearing a fire, they pulled the emergency chain, stopping the train.
Many passengers got off and tried to cross the adjacent tracks. Unfortunately, at that moment, the Bengaluru-New Delhi Karnataka Express was approaching at high speed and couldn’t stop in time, hitting the passengers on the tracks.
Casualties and Response
The accident resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people, with several others seriously injured. Emergency services quickly arrived, and ambulances took the injured to nearby hospitals. Local authorities and railway officials worked together to manage the situation and provide assistance.
Official Reactions
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow over the incident. From Davos, Switzerland, he announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and assured that the state government would cover all medical expenses for the injured.
He stated, “The unfortunate incident near Pachora in Jalgaon district in which some people lost their lives is very painful. I pay my heartfelt tributes to them.”
Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed his condolences, stating, “The train accident in Jalgaon, Maharashtra is extremely sad. I express my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
way Ministry announced compensation of ₹1.5 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, ₹50,000 for those with serious injuries, and ₹5,000 for passengers with minor injuries. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed deep grief over the incident and directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured.
Safety Reminders
This incident highlights the importance of staying calm during emergencies and following safety protocols. Panic actions, like getting off the train and crossing tracks, can lead to tragic outcomes.
Indian Railways is working to improve safety measures, but passengers also need to be aware of safety procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the sparks and the events that followed. Passengers are urged to remain vigilant but calm during unexpected situations. Safety is a shared responsibility between railway authorities and passengers, requiring cooperation and adherence to safety guidelines to prevent future tragedies.
