The death toll from the train accident in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district on Wednesday has risen to 13. Passengers of the Pushpak Express, alarmed by a suspected fire, jumped off the train, and were hit by the Karnataka Express, coming from the opposite direction on an adjacent track.
The Pushpak Express, which runs from Lucknow to Mumbai, was near Jalgaon when rumours of a fire aboard one of its coaches caused panic among passengers.
The passengers pulled the emergency chain to stop the train and several of them jumped off the train, landing on a parallel track. However, they were hit by the Karnataka Express which was coming from the opposite direction. At least nine others were injured in the accident.
However, a top railway official was quoted as saying by news agency PTI that no spark or fire was noticed inside the coach.
The Railway Ministry announced a compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh each for the families of the victims, Rs 50,000 for people who are seriously injured and Rs 5,000 for minor injuries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
"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 in a post on X.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also expressed grief over the accident. He announced that a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the victims.
"The state government will also bear the entire expenses of the injured. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of the injured," he said in a video message on X.
