Lagatar24 Desk
Pune: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday revealed that the tragic incident on Pushpak Express in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district, which claimed 13 lives, was triggered by a rumor about a fire spread by a tea seller in the train’s pantry car. Two passengers, Udal Kumar and Vijay Kumar from Uttar Pradesh, further spread the rumor in the general coach, causing panic among passengers.
Speaking to the media in Pune, Pawar said, “Udal Kumar and Vijay Kumar were traveling from Lucknow to Mumbai in the Pushpak Express. Seated on the upper berth of the general coach, they reacted to the tea seller’s claims of a fire and began spreading the rumor, which caused widespread panic. Many passengers jumped off the moving train, leading to the tragedy.”
Chain Pulling and Adjacent Train Collision
The chaos escalated when a passenger pulled the chain to stop the train. As the Pushpak Express halted, passengers attempted to disembark, unaware of the approaching Bengaluru-New Delhi Karnataka Express on an adjacent track. Several passengers were run over in the ensuing commotion.
Casualties and Injuries
The incident has claimed 13 lives so far, with the identities of 10 victims confirmed, while three, including two women and one man, remain unidentified. Ten injured passengers, including Udal and Vijay Kumar, are receiving treatment at a local hospital. The Maharashtra government has assured to cover all medical expenses.
Government Response
Pawar emphasized the importance of investigating the role of the tea seller and those responsible for spreading the panic. He stated, “Such reckless behavior must be prevented in the future. The government will ensure the injured receive the best medical care and take steps to avoid such tragedies.”
