At least 11 people are confirmed dead, with five others injured, after passengers evacuated a train in Maharashtra due to unfounded fire rumors, only to be struck by an oncoming train.
Tragedy Strikes Indian Railways as Train Passengers Flee Fire Rumors and Are Struck by Another Train
Tragedy Strikes Indian Railways as Train Passengers Flee Fire Rumors and Are Struck by Another Train
Eleven lives lost in a tragic accident that highlights ongoing safety concerns in India's railway modernization efforts.
In a heartbreaking incident near Pachora in the Jalgaon district, Maharashtra, a group of passengers disembarked from their Mumbai-bound train under the mistaken belief that there was a fire onboard. This reaction was triggered when an emergency cord was pulled, bringing the train to a halt. Unbeknownst to them, another train was approaching on an adjacent track, resulting in a devastating collision. Initial reports have not confirmed any actual fire on the train.
This tragedy coincides with India’s broader efforts to modernize its railways, with a $30 billion initiative aimed at enhancing infrastructure. Unfortunately, this modernization campaign has been overshadowed by a series of accidents, including a catastrophic three-train collision in Odisha earlier this year that claimed nearly 300 lives.
Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, expressed his sorrow on social media platform X, stating he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of life. He confirmed that eight ambulances were dispatched to the site and local hospitals were put on high alert to assist the injured.
The tragic accident is likely to pose challenges for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has championed railway upgrades as a means to stimulate the economy and enhance connectivity across the nation. Upcoming budget discussions are expected to address increased funding for the railway modernization program amidst this troubling backdrop.
