Mumbai: In a grisly accident in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district on Wednesday, several passengers of the Pushpak Express were run over by the Karnataka Express after they jumped off the train fearing a fire.
The mishap took place around 4.20 pm when the train from Lucknow, headed for Mumbai, was passing between Jalgaon and Pachora stations.
At least 10 people are feared dead and several others were injured.
According to initial reports, rumours of a fire on board the Pushpak Express led to panic among passengers, some of whom hastily jumped off the moving train to save their lives. As they landed on the adjacent track, the New Delhi to Bengaluru Karnataka Express, which was travelling in the opposite direction, struck them.
Local villagers rushed to the spot to try and help people trapped on the tracks or thrown afar. Officials from the district administration reached the site a little later, and will be joined by other rescue teams.
The exact number of casualties and condition of the injured persons are yet to be confirmed.
It’s not clear yet what led to the suspected fire.
Authorities have started probing the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
According to the District Collector of Jalgaon, three hospitals have been activated and all necessary measures are being taken.
“Additional SP, SP, Collector and everybody is on their way. We are coordinating with DRM and Railway officials. 8 ambulances reached the spot as per last available information, additional rescue vans of Railway and Railway ambulances are being rushed to the spot. Further details are awaited. As per the last report, 8 people have died… The numbers can rise… Administration is providing all possible help”, Divisional Commissioner of Nashik Praveen Gedam told ANI.
