Thu Jan 23 21:51:10 UTC 2025: ## Panic Over False Fire Alarm Leads to Deadly Train Accident in India

**Jalgaon, Maharashtra –** At least 13 passengers died and 15 others were injured in a tragic train accident near Pachora, Jalgaon district, on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred when passengers aboard the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express panicked after a false fire alarm, causing them to jump onto the tracks where they were struck by the oncoming Bengaluru-Delhi Karnataka Express.

Initial reports suggested a fire or sparks in a train carriage prompted the alarm, however, railway officials later denied this, stating no fire or sparks were detected. The alarm triggered a mass exodus from the train, with passengers leaping onto the adjacent tracks before the approaching Karnataka Express could brake.

Four of the deceased have been identified as Nepali nationals, including a minor boy and two women. The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh (approximately $6,000 USD) to the families of each victim, while the Railway Ministry added an ex-gratia payment of Rs 1.5 lakh (approximately $1,800 USD). Additional compensation is being provided for injuries sustained.

The Commissioner of Railway Safety, Central Circle, will investigate the circumstances leading to the accident, including the cause of the false alarm and the response of railway staff. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw all expressed their condolences and are monitoring the situation. The Pushpak Express and Karnataka Express were cleared from the scene within minutes of the accident.

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