Morena: A rumour of a fire aboard the Khajuraho-Udaipur Intercity Express led to a tragic accident in Madhya Pradesh’s Morena district on Sunday, leaving four passengers dead after they jumped off the train and were struck by another passing train. The incident has once again highlighted the dangers of panic and misinformation during emergencies.
According to railway officials, panic broke out among passengers after reports spread that a fire had erupted inside one of the coaches of the Intercity Express. Fearing for their safety, several passengers rushed towards the exits, while some jumped directly onto the railway tracks.
In the chaos that followed, four passengers who had got off the train were hit by the Patalkot Express, which was passing on an adjacent track. All four died on the spot. Authorities said the victims were unable to move to safety before the oncoming train arrived.
Initial reports suggest that the fire alarm turned out to be a false rumour. Investigators are now trying to determine how the misinformation spread and whether there was any actual technical issue aboard the train that triggered the panic. Railway officials and local authorities have launched a detailed probe into the incident.
Rescue teams, railway personnel and local administration officials reached the spot shortly after the accident. The bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination, while authorities worked to restore normal operations on the route.
The tragedy has sparked fresh concerns about emergency response mechanisms on trains and the need for passengers to verify information before reacting in panic. Officials have urged travellers to follow instructions from railway staff during emergencies and avoid taking sudden actions based on unverified reports.
