10 Killed in Jalgaon Train Accident After Fire Rumour, Hit by Passing Train

At least 10 passengers were killed after stepping down from the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express due to a fire rumour and being struck by the Karnataka Express on adjacent tracks near Pachora in Jalgaon district on Wednesday evening, officials said.

Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan confirmed the death toll, citing information from the district collector. "Around 10 to 12 people have died," he told a news channel.

The incident occurred between Maheji and Pardhade stations after the Pushpak Express halted around 5 PM when someone pulled the chain amid panic over sparks reported in one of its coaches, according to Central Railway officials.

"Preliminary information suggests sparks inside a coach were caused by a 'hot axle' or 'brake binding,' leading to panic. Some passengers pulled the chain and stepped onto the tracks, where they were struck by the Bengaluru-Delhi Karnataka Express," said Central Railway chief spokesperson Swapnil Nila.

Senior railway officials are investigating the incident. Maharashtra Minister Gulabrao Patil, the guardian minister for Jalgaon, said, "Officials are en route to the spot, and further details will be shared soon."