New Delhi, Jan 23: The death toll in the Jalgoan rail mishap in Maharashtra has risen to 13 and the deceased includes four Nepali nationals, said officials today.
Among the 13 people who have lost their lives, four were Nepali nationals. So far, seven victims have been identified, while the identities of the remaining six are still unknown. The casualties also include four women, officials added.
It is worth mentioning that the mishap occurred between Maheji and Pardhade stations near Pachora, located around 400 km from Mumbai at around 5:05 p.m on Wednesday. The Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express came to a sudden halt after a passenger pulled the emergency chain following a fire rumor. In the ensuing chaos, some passengers stepped off the train and were run over by the Karnataka Express, which was traveling from Bengaluru to Delhi on the adjacent track.
As per reports, sparks were spotted in one of the coaches of the Pushpak Express, possibly caused by a 'hot axle' or 'brake-binding' (jamming). This triggered panic among passengers prompting some of them to pull the emergency chain and jump onto the tracks. The Karnataka Express, which was passing on the adjacent track at that moment, ran over some of them.
The Railway Ministry has announced compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh each for the families of the deceased, Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured, and Rs 5,000 for individuals with minor injuries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the families of the victims and wrote, "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," on ‘X’.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, currently attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, announced additional financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of the victims.
In a video message posted on X, he expressed his grief over the tragedy and said, "The state government will also bear the entire expenses of the injured. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of the injured."
