In a heartbreaking incident in western Maharashtra, India, at least 11 people have died and five others injured after escaping a train under the belief there was a fire onboard. The tragic scene unfolded when passengers of a Mumbai-bound train disembarked after someone activated the emergency cord. Unfortunately, they were subsequently struck by another train traveling on an adjacent track, leading to catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
Railway officials have yet to confirm whether there had actually been a fire. The safety incident comes amid India's ambitious $30 million railway modernization program aimed at enhancing connectivity and safety. This is not the first serious accident this year; a devastating three-train collision in Odisha took nearly 300 lives, prompting concern over railway safety measures.
Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his sorrow over the loss of life on social media, confirming that emergency services were deployed and local hospitals were ready for any additional victims. The incident raises pressing questions about railway safety as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's modernization efforts face renewed scrutiny ahead of the upcoming budget boost for infrastructure.
