4 killed by oncoming train after passengers jump onto nearby tracks over fire rumour in MP

Anirudh Kumar, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Jhansi Railway Division, said preliminary inquiries had found no evidence of a fire aboard the train. According to officials, the curved alignment of the track may have limited the visibility of the approaching Patalkot Express for passengers who had descended onto the railway line. Railway authorities said the locomotive pilot attempted emergency braking but was unable to stop the train in time.

“The Khajuraho-Udaipur Intercity train had stopped after chain-pulling, and some passengers, including women and children, got down. At the same time, the Patalkot Express was approaching from Agra on the adjacent curved track. Due to the curve, those on the track may not have seen the train. Despite the driver’s attempt to apply emergency brakes, the train, moving at high speed, ran over them. So far, reports confirm the deaths of three women and one child,” Kumar said.

Rumour spreads

Following the rumour of a fire in the Intercity Express, panic spread through the coaches, and passengers rushed to disembark. Several people jumped from the train and moved onto an adjacent railway track.

Moments later, the Firozpur-Seoni Patalkot Express approached on those tracks at speed. Before many of those standing on the tracks could react, the train struck them, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

Initial reports from local authorities put the death toll at four — three women and a child.

Eyewitnesses said the panic began after confusion among passengers charging mobile phones in one of the coaches. Someone allegedly shouted that a fire had broken out, causing alarm to spread rapidly through the train. Within minutes, passengers began moving towards the exits, and some reportedly attempted to jump off even before the train had come to a complete stop.

Many of the passengers were reportedly returning from Bageshwar Dham and were travelling with families when the incident occurred.

“The train was stopped after chain-pulling. People were frightened and got down onto the tracks. Another train then came from the opposite side,” said Morena SP Dharamraj Meena.

Railway officials, Railway Protection Force personnel, Government Railway Police teams and district administration officials rushed to the scene after receiving information about the accident. Rescue and relief operations were launched immediately, and ambulances were deployed to transport the injured to nearby hospitals.

The accident disrupted rail traffic in the section for several hours as officials carried out rescue operations and cleared the tracks. Railway authorities later said both trains were allowed to proceed after emergency measures were completed and the route was declared safe for movement.

Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into how the rumour originated and the circumstances that led passengers to leave the train and enter the railway tracks. Officials are also examining whether any safety lapses contributed to the scale of the tragedy.