At least 12 people lost their lives and 11 others were injured in India after a terrifying incident on Wednesday evening. Passengers of the Pushpak Express, traveling from Lucknow to Mumbai, disembarked the train due to panic over rumors of a fire onboard. The horror unfolded close to the city of Jalgaon in Maharashtra State when, after evacuating onto the tracks, they were struck by another train, the Karnataka Express, speeding by on a parallel track.
Authorities are investigating whether there was an actual fire or if fears were sparked by a false rumor. Among the casualties, seven victims hailed from Nepal and four from Uttar Pradesh. The Maharashtra state government has promised financial assistance to the victims' families and support for those injured.
This tragedy has reignited discussions about the safety of India's extensive railway network, which, despite recent modernization efforts, has a history of accidents. The Indian government has invested in safety improvements, yet incidents persist, raising critical questions about the efficacy of these measures and the protection of millions who rely on train transport.
