A fire rumor on the Pushpak Express train in western India resulted in at least 12 fatalities as panicked passengers jumped onto the tracks, only to be struck by another train. The incident occurred in Maharashtra State, with reports indicating sparks inside a coach initiated the panic. Officials noted the mishap during the ongoing modernization of India's aging railway infrastructure, dating back to colonial rule. Indian leaders have expressed condolences and pledged compensation to victims' families, highlighting ongoing safety concerns amidst significant investments in railway upgrades.
Our preliminary information is that there were sparks inside one of the coaches of the Pushpak Express due to either a hot axle or brake-binding, and some passengers panicked.
Those who jumped were hit by another express train passing on the adjacent track, railway spokesman Swapnil Nila said.
The state government will also cover the cost of treatment for those injured. India has one of the largest railway systems in the world, but the aging system dates back to British colonial rule.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has invested billions of dollars into modernizing train infrastructure. However, analysts believe the antiquated system of the world's most populous country still has a long way to go.
Collection
[
|
...
]