Fire Rumors: The Pushpak Express Train Tragedy Near Pachora That Killed 26

Pachora, Maharashtra: In a tragic train accident near Pachora, more than 400 kilometers from Mumbai, at least 26 people lost their lives and six others were injured on Wednesday. The incident occurred between Maheji and Pardhade stations when the Karnataka Express collided with passengers who had disembarked from the halted Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express, according to officials.

The Pushpak Express had stopped around 5 PM after someone pulled the chain, reportedly due to sparks and smoke in one of the general coaches. Preliminary investigations suggest the smoke may have been caused by either a “hot axle” or “brake-binding,” leading to panic among passengers. Many jumped out of the train fearing a fire, despite there being no confirmed fire outbreak.

As the people stood on the tracks, a train coming from Bengaluru to Delhi on an adjacent track hit them. It is reported by officials.

Understanding the Incident Near Pachora

Karnataka Divisional Commissioner Nashik Praveen Gedam confirmed the casualty count and informed that rescue and relief operations are launched immediately. “Eight ambulances and a few railway rescue vans were despatched to the spot. All possible help is being rendered,” he said.

Ayush Prasad, District Commissioner of Jalgaon, mentioned that rumors of a fire likely led to the panic, causing passengers to jump off the train. IG Karale, speaking to PTI, clarified that sparks and smoke in a coach caused the emergency stop.

Within 20 minutes, both the Pushpak Express and the Karnataka Express were cleared from the accident site. Injured passengers are admitted to local hospitals and all of them are being given proper medication; nobody is critical.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, speaking to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to assess the situation. Shah tweeted in Hindi, “The train accident in Jalgaon is extremely sad. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also conveyed his condolences, mourning the loss of lives and wishing the injured a swift recovery.

The incident has raised questions about passenger safety protocols and the reliability of communication during emergencies. While sparks and smoke triggered the panic, railway officials stated that the situation could have been managed better.

Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the sparks and smoke, and measures are being considered to prevent such incidents in the future.

This tragedy underscores the need for heightened awareness among passengers and enhanced emergency response mechanisms to avoid similar accidents.

---

With inputs from PTI, ANI, and IANS.