The death toll in the Jalgaon rail accident in Maharashtra has risen to 13, including four Nepali nationals, officials said on Thursday.

A report from the Office of the Collector and District Magistrate of Jalgaon said that the accident occurred around 5:05 p.m. on Wednesday between Maheji and Pardhade stations, near Pachora, about 400 km from Mumbai.

The incident took place when passengers on the Mumbai-bound Pushpak Express, fearing the train had caught fire, pulled the emergency chain, bringing the train to a halt. Some passengers, believing the train was in danger, stepped onto the adjacent track, where they were struck by the oncoming Karnataka Express, which was en route from Bengaluru to Delhi.

Reports suggest the sparks that triggered the panic were likely caused by a “hot axle” or “brake-binding” (jamming) in one of the Pushpak Express coaches, leading passengers to mistakenly think there was a fire.

The Railway Ministry has announced compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured, and Rs 5,000 for minor injuries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed condolences to the families of the victims. “Anguished by the tragic accident on the railway tracks in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected,” he wrote on X.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the victims. In a post on X, he said, “The state government will also bear the entire expenses of the injured. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

(With IANS inputs)