- 11 people killed and 5 injured after fleeing a train due to fire rumors, only to be hit by another train.
- The incident occurred near Pachora in Maharashtra, around 400 km from Mumbai.
- India’s railway modernization efforts face scrutiny following the tragic accident.
At least 11 people have died and five others have been injured after fleeing a train in India due to rumours of a fire, only to be struck by another train.
Railway officials reported that passengers aboard the Mumbai-bound train in western Maharashtra state disembarked after someone pulled the emergency cord, causing the train to stop.
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The group was then hit by a train on an adjacent track. It is unclear whether there was actually a fire on board.
India has been investing heavily in its rail network, with a $30bn modernization program aimed at improving safety and infrastructure.
However, the effort has been marred by several high-profile accidents, including a devastating three-train collision in Odisha in 2023 that claimed nearly 300 lives.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, which occurred near Pachora in Jalgaon district, about 400 kilometres from Mumbai. He confirmed that eight ambulances had been dispatched and hospitals were on standby.
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The crash is a setback for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has advocated for railway modernization to enhance the economy and connectivity. Plans to increase funding for the initiative are expected in next month’s national budget.
