A horrific train accident took place near Pardhade railway station in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district on Wednesday. Police officer Dattatray Karale said that 12 passengers died in this accident, while six others were seriously injured. The accident occurred in the city of Jalgaon, located 410 km northeast of Mumbai.
Incident Details:
Passengers noticed sparks in one of the coaches of the Pushpak Express train, leading to rumors about a potential fire. Panic set in as some passengers thought there was a fire and pulled the emergency chain to stop the train. Once the train stopped, some passengers jumped out of the train in a panic.
At the same time, the Karnataka Express was speeding along the adjacent tracks. The passengers who had jumped from the train were killed when they were struck by the other train.
Cause of Accident:
Preliminary information from railway officials suggests that the sparks might have been caused by a “hot axle” or “brake binding” (brake jamming) in one of the Pushpak Express coaches. This sparked panic, and passengers attempted to jump off the train to escape, leading to the tragedy.
Problems of Railway Accidents:
India’s railway system, which is the largest in the world managed by a single entity, faces hundreds of accidents every year. In a major train accident in 2023, over 280 passengers died and many more were injured when two trains collided.
Need for Railway Safety:
The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, is working to modernize the railway system by introducing new technology and safety measures. However, stricter steps are needed to prevent accidents like this from occurring.
Order of Inquiry by Government:
Following the incident, the government has ordered a thorough investigation. The injured passengers have been rushed to the hospital, and help is being provided to the families of the deceased.
The incident raises serious concerns about railway safety measures. It highlights the damage that rumors and fear can cause. The railway administration has urged passengers to stay alert and prioritize safety and technical security.