One man’s ugly sport became poison to several lives. A false alarm by a tea seller resulted in the killing of 13 people who were travelling by Pushpak Express to Jalgaon.
An eyewitness claimed that the tea vendor created panic by saying that the train had caught fire, causing frenetic passengers on the 12533 coach to jump off.
The accident occurred between the Maheji and Pardhade stations in Pachora town in North Maharashtra.
Special Inspector General of Police Dattatraya Karale confirmed that eight of the 13 casualties had been identified, two through Aadhaar cards.
Recounting the catastrophe, an eyewitness told a media section: “A tea seller started the rumour by claiming the train had caught fire. He himself pulled the emergency chain, and as the train slowed down, passengers began jumping out in a desperate attempt to save their lives.”
He further said, “Some people jumped directly onto the track where the Bangalore Express was passing, and tragically lost their lives as they were crushed.”
Eyewitness claimed that scores of other passengers who leapt in the opposite direction were saved because there was no track there.
“Anguished by the tragic accident on the railway tracks in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected,” the Prime Minister’s Office said on social media.
The Railway Ministry announced ex gratia of Rs 1.5 lakh each for the relatives of the incident.
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