TV
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of the passengers who lost their lives in a train tragedy in Jalgaon district.
At least 12 passengers were killed when they jumped from their train in panic due to a suspected fire incident, only to be run over by another train on the adjacent tracks in the North Maharashtra district, according to a top police official.
The accident occurred between Maheji and Pardhade stations near Pachora, over 400 km from Mumbai, where the 12533 Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express had halted after someone pulled the chain around 5 pm, Central Railway officials said.
In a video message from Davos, Switzerland, Fadnavis stated, "Some passengers in the train mistakenly assumed that smoke was coming out of the train and jumped. Unfortunately, they were run over by another train. I announce Rs 5 lakh to each kin of the deceased in this accident."
The state government will cover the entire cost of treatment for the injured passengers, Fadnavis added.
Special Inspector General of Police Dattatraya Karale informed PTI that 12 bodies were sent to the civil hospital in Jalgaon, and six to seven passengers sustained injuries.
"Our minister Girish Mahajan is personally overseeing the rescue and support efforts for the victims. I have spoken to district administration and police officials in Jalgaon," the Chief Minister said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who briefed him on the train tragedy in Jalgaon.
At least 10 passengers were killed after stepping onto the tracks from their train, reportedly due to a rumour of fire, and were run over by another train coming from the opposite direction.
"The train accident in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, is extremely sad. I spoke to Chief Minister Shri @Dev_Fadnavis ji and took stock of the situation arising after the accident. The local administration is providing all possible help to the injured. I express my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured," Shah wrote on 'X' in Hindi.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
