This passenger jump-off accident occurred on the evening of the 22nd, when a 'Pushpak Express Train' was traveling from Maharashtra to Mumbai. As it passed through Ghargaon, someone suddenly pulled the emergency brake valve, causing the entire train to stop.
Vendor's Fire Claim 'Pure Rumor'
Indian media cited Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Pawar, saying the train accident was triggered by a 'pure rumor' from a tea vendor inside the train. He shouted that a carriage was on fire, and two passengers spread the message, resulting in panic as passengers hurriedly jumped off from both sides of the train.
At this time, the oncoming 'Karnataka Express Train' at a speed of 130 kilometers per hour directly collided with the passengers who jumped off, ultimately causing 13 deaths, including 4 Nepalese; 10 were injured, including the two people who spread the vendor's fire announcement.
Deceased Includes 4 Nepalese
Local railway officials pointed out that the curvature of the railway track at the incident site severely affected visibility, which led to neither the train driver nor the passengers being able to see each other in time, resulting in the tragedy.
The Indian Ministry of Railways announced an investigation into this accident and declared compensation of 150,000 rupees (7,704 Ringgit) for each victim's family, 50,000 rupees (2,568 Ringgit) for those seriously injured, and 5,000 rupees (257 Ringgit) for those with minor injuries.