The scene unfolded when rumors of a fire circulated on board a Mumbai-bound train in western Maharashtra, prompting at least 11 passengers to exit the train in panic. Railway officials reported that someone had pulled the emergency cord, leading to the train's abrupt stop. However, as these individuals fled onto an adjacent track, they were tragically hit by another train. The situation remained unclear as reports could not confirm whether a fire had actually occurred.
This calamity adds to a troubling pattern of railway accidents in India, despite a $30 million modernization initiative launched in recent years aimed at improving safety. Notably, a devastating three-train collision earlier this year in Odisha claimed nearly 300 lives and has spurred concerns about railway safety measures.
Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his condolences on social media platform X, declaring he was "deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives." In response to the incident, he confirmed that eight ambulances were dispatched to the scene and hospitals were prepared for incoming casualties.
The crash serves as a significant setback for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has advocated for improvements in railway infrastructure as a means to enhance economic growth and connectivity across the nation. Reports have suggested that upcoming budget proposals may include increased funding to tackle these pressing safety issues in India's railway network.
This calamity adds to a troubling pattern of railway accidents in India, despite a $30 million modernization initiative launched in recent years aimed at improving safety. Notably, a devastating three-train collision earlier this year in Odisha claimed nearly 300 lives and has spurred concerns about railway safety measures.
Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his condolences on social media platform X, declaring he was "deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives." In response to the incident, he confirmed that eight ambulances were dispatched to the scene and hospitals were prepared for incoming casualties.
The crash serves as a significant setback for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has advocated for improvements in railway infrastructure as a means to enhance economic growth and connectivity across the nation. Reports have suggested that upcoming budget proposals may include increased funding to tackle these pressing safety issues in India's railway network.
