Jalgaon Train Tragedy: 12 Killed After Fire Rumor Causes Panic, Maharashtra CM Announces Financial Aid
At least eight passengers are feared dead, an official told news agency ANI, adding that the count of casualties could rise further.
Twelve people were killed after a fire rumour on a train travelling through Maharashtra's Jalgaon raised panic among passengers. In the chaos, many passengers jumped from the train and were struck by another train, confirmed by Maheswar Reddy, Jalgaon's superintendent of police.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the passengers who lost their lives in the train tragedy in Jalgaon district.
The passengers had jumped out of the Pushpak Express after a false alarm of fire was raised, according to NDTV. The incident reportedly occurred between Pachora and Jalgaon stations.
"As per the last report, eight people have died. The numbers can rise...Administration is providing all possible help," Divisional Commissioner of Nashik, Praveen Gedam, told news agency ANI.
The passengers who had jumped out of the train following the rumours of fire were hit by the passing Karnataka Express.
Devendra Fadnavis extended his condolences to affected families on his X profile. Fadnavis emphasised that the administration is working closely with railway officials to address the situation.
"The tragic incident of the loss of lives in a very unfortunate incident near Pachora in Jalgaon district is deeply distressing. I pay my heartfelt tributes to them. My colleague Minister Girish Mahajan and the Superintendent of Police have reached the spot, and the District Collector will reach there shortly. The entire district administration is working in coordination with the railway administration, and immediate arrangements are being made for the treatment of the injured," he wrote on his X profile.
Fadnavis shared that eight ambulances have been dispatched and the general hospital, as well as other nearby private hospitals, have been kept ready for the treatment of the injured. Emergency equipment like glass cutters, floodlights, etc., has also been kept ready.
"We are monitoring the entire situation and all necessary assistance is being provided immediately. I am in touch with the district administration," he shared.
