NEW DELHI — In a tragic incident in western India on Wednesday, at least 12 passengers lost their lives when they were struck by a train traveling on an adjacent track. This occurred after they jumped from their coaches in a panic triggered by a suspected fire, according to reports from the Press Trust of India.

Additionally, at least six other individuals sustained injuries in this unfortunate accident, as stated by police official Dattatraya Karale.

The incident took place in Maharashtra State, close to the Pardhade railway station, which is situated about 410 kilometers (255 miles) northeast of Mumbai, the financial hub of India.

Reports reveal that the victims disembarked from the Pushpak Express train, which had come to a halt after some passengers activated the emergency chain. Those who jumped off were subsequently hit by another express train traveling on the nearby track, as explained by railway spokesman Swapnil Nila.

A senior railway official shared initial insights, stating that there were sparks coming from one of the Pushpak Express coaches, possibly due to a “hot axle” or “brake-binding” issue. This sparked panic among some passengers, prompting them to pull the emergency chain and leap onto the tracks. Simultaneously, the Karnataka Express was passing by on the adjoining track.

Despite governmental initiatives aimed at enhancing railway safety, India continues to experience hundreds of train accidents each year. The country boasts the largest train network under a single management globally.

Earlier in 2023, a catastrophic incident occurred in which two passenger trains collided after derailing in eastern India, resulting in over 280 fatalities and countless injuries, marking it as one of the most devastating rail disasters in recent times.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed significant emphasis on modernizing the aging British colonial-era railway system, especially as India continues to grow and now stands as the most populous nation with a population of 1.42 billion.