At least 11 people were killed in western Maharashtra on Wednesday after rumors of a fire on their train caused them to panic and jump off, only to be crushed by another incoming train, officials confirmed. The tragic incident highlights the ongoing safety concerns within India’s rail system.
Details of the Incident
The accident occurred in the Jalgaon district, about 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Mumbai, India’s financial hub. Ayush Prasad, a top official in Jalgaon, confirmed that the victims were run over by an oncoming train. “11 people have died and about five are undergoing treatment,” he said.
It remains unclear whether the fire alarm was genuine or false. According to Indian Railways, someone had reportedly pulled the “alarm chain” on a Mumbai-bound train, prompting several passengers to exit the train. Unfortunately, as they disembarked, they were struck by another train traveling in the opposite direction.
Responses to the Incident
India’s Interior Minister, Amit Shah, expressed his deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, called the incident “deeply disturbing,” offering his condolences and expressing his sadness over the tragic loss of life.
Safety Concerns and Modernization Efforts
The incident is the latest in a series of accidents on India’s overburdened and outdated rail network, which is used by millions of passengers daily. India has been working on a $30 billion railway infrastructure modernization plan to improve the economy and connectivity. However, analysts argue that despite a decrease in the number of accidents, the country’s aging rail system still faces significant safety challenges.
Official records indicate that an average of 20,000 people died in rail accidents annually between 2017 and 2021. In 2023, nearly 300 people were killed when a passenger train collided with a stationary goods train, leading to further derailments and collisions with other trains.
The latest tragedy underscores the urgent need for continued reform and modernization of India’s railway infrastructure to prevent such avoidable losses of life.
