Jalgaon (Maharashtra): At least twelve people were crushed to death and over two dozen passengers injured when Bengaluru-New Delhi 12629 Karnataka express hit them near Pardhade station, about 400 km from Mumbai, on Wednesday evening in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district. Those killed in the train accident were travelling from Lucknow by Mumbai-bound Pushpak express.
According to reports, panicked over a fire alarm in the train, passengers of 12533 Pushpak express reportedly pulled the chain at Pardhade station and were trying to escape by crossing the parallel track. So scared were the passengers by the fire alarm in the train that they did not notice Karnataka express coming on the parallel track from opposite side and were hit.
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Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis informed that the district administration is working in coordination with the railway administration and immediate arrangements are being made for treatment of the injured. “Eight ambulances have been dispatched. The general hospital as well as other nearby private hospitals have been kept ready for the treatment of the injured Emergency equipment like glass cutters, floodlights etc. have also been kept ready,” Devendra Fadnavis said.
‘Kavach system failed,’ alleges Congress
Holding the Narendra Modi government responsible for increasing rail accidents, Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said, “If we notice, rail accidents in the country have increased since the Modi government has come. The Kavach system has also failed to work… Even though prices of rail tickets have increased, the cost of the lives of people has decreased? Till when will this go on? This is very unfortunate. If the Modi government keeps true to their words, then he should immediately resign.”
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Karnataka exp running at 140 kmph, says minister
According to Maharashtra minister Gulabrao Patil, the passengers were caught unawares when they found the Delhi-bound Karnataka Express coming their way, and hence could not react. The Karnataka express was running at a speed of 130-140 kmph when passengers of Mumbai-bound Pushpak express stepped on its tracks.
Helpline number issued by Central Railway
The central railway has set up help desks at various stations to provide assistance and information. It also issued helpline number 8957409292, in addition to usual 139 to help passengers’ family know the condition of their relatives travelling in the train. Helpline number issued by the Railway Administration in connection with the rail accident near Jalgaon station of Bhusaval division.
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Ashwini Vaishnaw takes stock of situation
Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has expressed deep grief over the Jalgaon train accident. He has collected complete information from the Railway Board chief and other officials. He has also directed them for the adequate medical treatment of the injured. He has also expressed condolences to the deceased: a central railway said.
Ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh announced for deceased families
Maharashtra CM Fadnavis announced ₹5 lakh ex gratia for kin of passengers killed in Jalgaon train accident. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said, “The Jalgaon incident is very unfortunate. I have collected details on it. I have spoken with the collector and other officers. The injured have been admitted to the hospital. Rescue operation is underway at the spot.”
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Fire alarm of Pushpak express pulled?
A senior railway official said, “Our preliminary information is that there were sparks inside one of the coaches of Pushpak express due to either `hot axle’ or `brake-binding’ (jamming), and some passengers panicked. They pulled the chain, and some of them jumped down on the tracks. At the same time, Karnataka Express was passing on the adjoining track.”