A train tragedy in India led to 12 deaths and 15 injuries after passengers panicked over fire rumors. Officials confirmed no fire occurred, but safety concerns remain. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Twelve passengers died in India after jumping from a train to escape a rumored fire. The tragic event underscores ongoing safety challenges in India’s extensive railway system.
12 dead after false fire rumours cause passengers to leap from train

India’s Train Safety Under Scrutiny After Maharashtra Tragedy

Twelve people lost their lives, and 15 others were injured in Maharashtra, India, after a train-related incident. Passengers aboard the Pushpak Express panicked when rumors of a fire spread, leading them to pull the emergency chain and stop the train. Tragically, as some disembarked, they were struck by the Karnataka Express on a parallel track.

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Railway officials dismissed claims of fire, attributing the panic to mechanical sparks. Central Railway spokesperson Swapnil Nila clarified the timeline, emphasizing that misinformation caused the deadly event. Videos of the aftermath showed devastating scenes, sparking national grief.

Calls for Modernization Amid India’s Railway Accidents

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow for the victims and assured assistance to affected families. The Railways Ministry and Maharashtra government announced compensation: ₹500,000 ($6,020) from the Ministry and ₹150,000 ($1,810) from the state.

India’s railways, built during colonial times, face criticism for safety lapses. Over 100,000 train-related deaths occurred between 2017 and 2021, highlighting the need for modernization. Recent accidents, including a 2023 collision killing 280, underscore the urgency for change.

Authorities urged passengers to avoid rash actions during emergencies and stressed the importance of communication systems to combat misinformation. The Maharashtra government vowed to improve infrastructure and safety standards across India’s extensive railway network.

The incident in Maharashtra highlights the challenges facing India’s railways and the pressing need to prioritize passenger safety.

Source: ca.news.yahoo.com

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