Thu Jan 23 11:27:27 UTC 2025: ## 13 Killed in Maharashtra Train Tragedy After False Fire Alarm
**Jalgaon, Maharashtra –** Thirteen passengers were killed and several others injured Tuesday evening in a horrific train accident near Pachora, Maharashtra, after a false fire alarm triggered a panicked stampede. Eyewitnesses report a tea vendor falsely claiming a fire on board the 12533 Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express, causing him to pull the emergency chain. This resulted in passengers leaping from the train onto the tracks, directly into the path of the oncoming Karnataka Express.
The incident occurred around 4:45 pm between Maheji and Pardhade stations. Babadeep Shobharam Paswan, an eyewitness, stated that the tea seller’s actions ignited widespread panic. Dozens escaped injury by jumping away from the tracks, highlighting the potentially much higher death toll had the panic unfolded differently.
Central Railway officials confirmed the incident, though Executive Director of Information and Publicity Dilip Kumar denied any actual fire onboard the Pushpak Express. The death toll rose to 13 on Wednesday as some of the injured succumbed to their injuries. Eight victims have been identified so far, authorities confirmed.
The Commissioner of Railway Safety, Central Circle, will launch a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, and the Railway Ministry announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 1.5 lakh to the families of each deceased, with additional compensation for those injured. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia for the families of the victims and coverage of medical expenses for the injured. The incident underscores the devastating consequences of misinformation and the urgent need for better safety protocols on Indian Railways.
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