Fri Jan 24 03:21:07 IST 2025: ## Train Accident in Jalgaon Kills 12, Sparked by False Fire Alarm

**Jalgaon, Maharashtra, January 24, 2025** – A train accident in Jalgaon district, Maharashtra, on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of 12 people and injuries to 10 others. The incident, which involved the Pushpak Express and the Karnataka Express, was triggered by a false alarm of a fire, according to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Initial reports suggested 13 fatalities, but this was revised to 12 after a review of decapitated bodies initially misidentified. Eleven of the deceased have been identified, with nine bodies already released to their families. Seven of the victims were from Nepal, and the remainder from Uttar Pradesh. Two of the injured are suffering from spinal injuries.

The accident occurred when passengers on the Pushpak Express, traveling from Lucknow to Mumbai, panicked and jumped from the train after hearing a rumour of a fire started by a tea seller in the pantry car. This rumour spread rapidly through the coaches, causing a chaotic rush to disembark. The train had stopped after an emergency chain was pulled.

The resulting confusion led to passengers being struck by the oncoming Karnataka Express. Deputy Chief Minister Pawar blamed the incident on the spread of a “sheer rumour.”

Investigations are underway by both the police and railway officials. Police are investigating a possible criminal conspiracy angle, while railway officials are examining technical aspects, including the train’s speed, braking system, and the reported fire. The investigation team includes senior railway officials from the Central Railway Zone. Preliminary findings suggest the Pushpak Express driver followed procedure after the emergency stop. However, the train’s curvature, nearly two degrees, hampered visibility and braking distance.

Jalgaon District Collector Ayush Prasad stated that the fire brigade’s foam team was not used during the rescue operation, refuting reports of a significant fire. The Railway Protection Force and the Government Railway Police are also conducting inquiries.

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