In a devastating incident, 11 passengers of the Lucknow-Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Pushpak Express lost their lives, and five were injured after stepping out of the train, only to be hit by the Karnataka Express on an adjacent track. The accident occurred between Maheji and Pardhade stations in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district following a chain-pulling incident around 5 PM on January 22, 2025. Reports indicate passengers panicked due to rumors of a fire onboard, leading them to exit the halted train.

Central Railway CPRO Swapnil Kumar Leela explained that the train had stopped after the emergency chain-pulling. While passengers disembarked, the Karnataka Express traveling in the opposite direction tragically struck those on the adjoining track. Relief measures were immediately deployed, with ambulances, accident relief vans, and medical teams dispatched from Bhusawal to assist the injured. The Pushpak Express resumed its journey after aid was provided, while the Karnataka Express continued its route.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep condolences over the tragedy and confirmed that eight ambulances and emergency equipment had been deployed to the site. He assured that private and government hospitals in the vicinity were on standby to treat the injured. Minister Girish Mahajan and senior district officials also reached the location to oversee rescue and recovery operations, while coordination efforts with railway authorities remained ongoing.