At least 20 people are feared dead in a major train accident near Paranda railway station in Bhusaval ward on the night of January 22, as passengers of the Pushpak Express reportedly jumped off the train and ran towards the oncoming train. It has come under Karnataka Express, according to sources.
However, the Superintendent of Police, Jalgaon, Jalgaon has confirmed that 11 passengers have died in the incident so far.
What really happened?
The accident happened following rumors of a fire in the Pushpak Express (12533), which was traveling from Lucknow to Mumbai. The panicked passengers pulled the alarm chain. Trying to escape, many passengers got down on the tracks.
Unfortunately, as the Karnataka Express (12627) was approaching from the opposite direction, several passengers were hit.
Details of casualties and injuries
As a result of this incident 20 passengers lost their lives, 7-8 passengers received serious injuries and were treated by train medical teams.
The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Bhusawal and senior railway officials rushed to the site to oversee the rescue operations. Indian Railways medical teams and local administrative officials are providing immediate assistance to the injured.
Swapnil Nila, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) in the Central Railway Railway said that the Pushpak Express was stopped due to pulling the alarm (ACP) and the reason for pulling the chain is being investigated, some passengers got down on the track, which led to this bad incident. “
The local authorities, along with the Chief Engineer of the Railway Division and rescue teams of the district government, are working diligently at the scene.
“We are on the spot, working closely with the DRM (Divisional Railway Manager) and railway officials. Senior officials, including the Additional Superintendent of Police (SP), SP, and the District Collector, are on their way to the spot,” it said. Nashik Divisional Commissioner, Pravin Gedam.
8 ambulances have reached the spot to help the injured and transport them to medical facilities and rescue vans and railway ambulances are on their way.
CM Yogi Adityanath expressing grief
Jalgaon, Maharashtra में रेल पत्री पर hui टैष्टर में अनेक मर्ट्य का समाचार अध्यान्त पत्यान्त . मनै शोक संतप्त हैमाइल के प्रती गेफन संदेश्ट करती करती हून. मेरी श्वर्ण से पर्टान है की गायलिय हुये साभी यात्री विड्य है।
– President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 22, 2025
UP CM Yogi Adityanath expressed deep grief over the train tragedy. The CMO of Uttar Pradesh issued a statement confirming that the Chief Minister has directed the authorities to provide adequate treatment to the injured. He also expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased.
The witness says there is no horn on the loco driver of Karnataka Express
Some eyewitnesses said that the Karnataka Express did not sound its horn when it approached. They said that if the horn had been blown, the passengers might have been notified earlier to avoid the accident.
The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Efforts are underway to locate the deceased and notify their families.
A helpline number has been installed at Lucknow Junction (NER) for help: 8957409292.
The Central Railway has started an investigation to find out the cause of the alarm and to find out if any safety violations contributed to the tragedy.