At least 20 people were feared dead in a major train accident near Paranda railway station in Bhusaval division on the evening of January 22, as passengers of Pushpak Express reportedly jumped from the train and were hit by a Karnataka Express train coming from the opposite direction, Zee Business learned from sources.
However, the Superintendent of Police, Jalgaon, confirmed that 12 passengers were dead in the incident.
What actually happened?
The accident occurred following rumours of a fire on the Pushpak Express train (No 12533), hailing from Lucknow to Mumbai. Panic-stricken passengers pulled the alarm chain. In an attempt to escape, many passengers disembarked onto the tracks.
The Karnataka Express (12627) approaching from the opposite direction struck several passengers, sources told Zee Business..
Other details
Around 7-8 passengers were learned to have sustained severe injuries and were being treated by railway medical teams, according to sources.
Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Bhusawal and senior railway officials have rushed to the site to oversee rescue operations. Indian Railways medical teams and local administrative officials are providing immediate assistance to the injured.
Swapnil Nila, Central Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) said that Pushpak Express was halted due to alarm chain pulling (ACP) and the reason behind the chain pulling is under investigation, some passengers alighted onto the tracks, leading to this tragic incident.”
Local authorities, along with the railway’s Senior Section Engineer and state government rescue teams, are actively working at the scene.
“We are on-site, coordinating closely with the DRM (Divisional Railway Manager) and railway officials. Senior officials, including the Additional Superintendent of Police (SP), SP, and District Collector, are on their way to the location,” said Nashik Divisional Commissioner, Pravin Gedam.
8 ambulances have already reached the site to assist with the injured and transport them to medical facilities and rescue vans and railway ambulances are en route.
CM Yogi Adityanath expressed grief
जलगांव, महाराष्ट्र में रेल पटरी पर हुई दुर्घटना में अनेक यात्रियों की मृत्यु का समाचार अत्यंत पीड़ादायक है। मैं शोक संतप्त परिवारों के प्रति गहन संवेदना व्यक्त करती हूं। मेरी ईश्वर से प्रार्थना है कि घायल हुए सभी यात्री शीघ्र स्वस्थ हों।
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 22, 2025
UP CM Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow over the train tragedy. The Uttar Pradesh CMO released a statement confirming that the Chief Minister has directed authorities to provide adequate medical treatment to the injured. He also conveyed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
Witness claims no horn from Karnataka Express’ loco pilot
Some eyewitnesses have alleged that the Karnataka Express did not sound its horn as it approached. They claim that had the horn been blown, the passengers might have been alerted in time to avoid the accident.
The injured have been transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Efforts are underway to identify the deceased and inform their families.
A helpline number has been installed at Lucknow Junction (NER) for assistance: 8957409292.
The Central Railway has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the alarm chain pulling and to establish if any lapses in safety protocols contributed to the tragedy.