The death toll in the tragic train accident in Jalgaon has risen to 13, according to District Magistrate Ayush Prasad on Thursday morning. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening when passengers aboard the Pushpak Express, which had stopped due to a suspected fire, stepped out of their coaches. As they were on the tracks, the Karnataka Express, traveling on the adjacent track, struck several individuals.
The injured passengers have been hospitalized at Civil Hospital Jalgaon and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Earlier, the Railway Ministry announced ex-gratia payments of Rs 1.5 lakh each for the families of the deceased, Rs 50,000 for those critically injured, and Rs 5,000 for those with minor injuries. A statement from the Office of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the compensation.
Jalgaon’s Superintendent of Police Maheswar Reddy reported that 12 people had initially been confirmed dead, with 10 others injured in the accident. All the injured were taken to Civil Hospital Jalgaon for treatment. Reddy assured that further action would be taken following the Railway’s investigation.
District Magistrate Ayush Prasad added, “Upon receiving information about the accident, the administration acted promptly, dispatching ambulances and emergency services to the site. The injured have been admitted, and the post-mortem of the deceased is being conducted. An investigation is underway.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the incident. “I am anguished by the tragic accident on the railway tracks in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, and I pray for the swift recovery of the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected,” the Prime Minister’s Office shared in a post on X.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the victims. In addition, the state government will cover all medical expenses for the injured, the CM confirmed.
The tragic accident has left the region in mourning, as authorities continue their efforts to assist the victims and investigate the cause of the crash.
