Jalgaon Train Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 13, Compensation Announced by Railway Ministry

Image Source: PTI

In a tragic incident in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district, 13 passengers lost their lives after panicking over a false fire alarm on the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express. Fearing a blaze, the passengers jumped onto the adjacent railway tracks and were fatally struck by the Bengaluru-Delhi Karnataka Express.

Officials confirmed the accident occurred between Pardhade and Maheji stations near Pachora, about 400 kilometers from Mumbai. The Pushpak Express had halted around 4:45 PM on Wednesday due to an emergency chain pull. Railway authorities later clarified that there was no fire or spark in the coach that caused the alarm.

Eight victims have been identified, including four from Nepal, among whom were two women and a minor boy. The Commissioner of Railway Safety, Central Circle, has launched a probe into the circumstances of the accident.

The Railway Ministry has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹1.5 lakh to the families of the deceased, ₹50,000 for those seriously injured, and ₹5,000 for passengers with minor injuries. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking from Davos, expressed grief over the tragedy and announced ₹5 lakh compensation for the next of kin of the victims.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also expressed their sorrow and assured assistance to the affected families.

Both trains resumed their journeys shortly after the incident as authorities continue to provide relief and support to the victims.

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