At least 11 people were killed and five others injured on January 23, 2025, in Jalgaon district, Maharashtra, India, after they fled a train due to rumors of a fire. The passengers exited the Mumbai-bound train after someone pulled the emergency cord, only to be struck by another train on an adjacent track. It remains unclear if a fire was present on the original train.
- 11 killed, five injured in train incident
- Passengers evacuated due to fire rumors
- Victims struck by train on adjacent track
- Maharashtra Chief Minister expresses condolences
- Railway modernization efforts face setbacks
- Budget plans to increase railway spending
This incident highlights ongoing safety issues within India’s railway system, which has seen a series of accidents despite a $30 billion modernization initiative. Railway officials reported that the passengers exited the train after an emergency cord was pulled, leading to the collision with an adjacent train. The exact cause of the initial alarm remains undetermined.
Key details include:
- 11 confirmed dead and five injured.
- Location: Near Pachora, Jalgaon district, approximately 400 km from Mumbai.
- Emergency response included eight ambulances dispatched to the scene.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures. This crash is seen as a setback for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of modernizing the railways to enhance economic growth and connectivity. The government plans to increase spending on railway safety in the upcoming budget.
This tragic event underscores the importance of addressing safety concerns in railway operations, particularly as modernization efforts continue. The loss of lives in such incidents calls for urgent measures to prevent future occurrences and ensure passenger safety.
