Rumor of Fire Triggers Panic, Leading to Fatal Train Mishap in Maharashtra

A deadly train accident in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, has claimed the lives of at least 12 people and left 40 others injured, following a panicked response to a false rumor of a fire onboard. The tragedy occurred when the Pushpak Express, en route from Lucknow to Mumbai, made a scheduled stop at Padhade railway station.

The incident began when passengers mistakenly believed that a fire had broken out after smoke was seen emitting from the train’s wheels due to the application of the brakes. As the rumor spread rapidly throughout the carriage, one passenger pulled the train’s emergency chain, triggering a chaotic situation. In the ensuing panic, many passengers jumped off the moving train, leading to numerous injuries and fatalities.