Tragic Train Accident in India Claims 12 Lives Amid Panic Over Fire Rumors

At least 12 people died and 11 were injured when passengers exited the Pushpak Express out of fear for their safety, yet suffered further tragedy as they were hit by the Karnataka Express.

At around 5 p.m. on Wednesday in Maharashtra State, India, twelve individuals lost their lives, and an additional eleven sustained injuries after a tragic series of events unfolded. The incident began when passengers aboard the Pushpak Express, en route from Lucknow to Mumbai, were gripped by panic following rumors of a fire. Local authorities reported that the chaos ensued as passengers chose to leave the train while it was still on the tracks.

Upon disembarking, these passengers were tragically struck by another train, the Karnataka Express, passing closely on an adjacent track. Police Inspector Ashok Pawar indicated that the train had been filled to capacity, primarily with migrant workers. He confirmed that among the deceased, seven were from Nepal and four were from the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, while one victim has yet to be identified. Witnesses described the horrific scene, noting that many of the victims suffered severe injuries.

In response to the tragedy, Maharashtra's government, represented by Devendra Fadnavis, indicated that eight ambulances had been sent to the accident site and promised financial relief for the victims' families, as well as assistance for those injured. Authorities pledged a thorough investigation into the situation, questioning whether the initial fears of fire were founded or the result of a rumor spread by an individual with malicious intent.

The event has reignited longstanding concerns regarding railway safety in India, where millions rely on the country's expansive yet frequently unsafe train network for transportation, particularly in rural regions. Despite significant government investments aimed at enhancing train safety in recent years, incidents persist. Notably, India witnessed one of its most devastating rail disasters in 2023 when a collision of two passenger trains in Odisha claimed 290 lives.

This latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the perils facing rail travel in India, highlighting the urgent need for systemic safety reforms amid ongoing modernization efforts.