Madhya Pradesh: Major Rail Accident In Morena As Passengers Jump Onto Tracks, Get Run Over By Another Train

Morena: A tragic accident occurred in the Morena district of Madhya Pradesh. Near Hetampur railway station, a rumor spread that the Khajuraho-Udaipur Intercity Express had caught fire. Amidst the resulting panic and outcry, passengers pulled the emergency chain and jumped off the train to save their lives. Tragically, four passengers were struck and killed instantly by the speeding Firozpur-Seoni Patalkot Express, which was approaching on the adjacent main track; several others sustained serious injuries.

The incident took place around 4:15 PM on Sunday near Hetampur station—which falls under the Jhansi Division of North Central Railway—close to Morena railway station. Upon receiving news of the incident, teams from the railway administration, local police, and district administration rushed to the site to carry out relief and rescue operations.

Was the horrific accident caused by fire rumor?

According to railway sources, Train No. 19665 (Khajuraho-Udaipur Intercity Express) was proceeding along its scheduled route when an unidentified person suddenly spread a rumor that a fire had broken out in the general coach.

Reports indicate that the rumor of a fire triggered a stampede-like situation inside the coach. To save themselves, passengers pulled the alarm chain, causing the train to come to a sudden halt near Hetampur. As soon as the train stopped, panicked passengers—acting impulsively—jumped onto the tracks through the doors and windows. They moved to the adjacent main track, believing it to be safer. Meanwhile, Train No. 20424 (Patalkot Express) arrived from the opposite direction. Before the passengers standing on the tracks could react or move to safety, the speeding train ran over them.

How has the Railways reacted?

Following the accident, the railway tracks were filled with screams and chaos. Acting swiftly, nearby villagers and railway staff moved the injured off the tracks. According to administrative officials, four deaths have been confirmed so far in the accident. Many injured passengers have been immediately rushed to nearby hospitals via ambulance, with some reported to be in critical condition. Railway officials state that the current priority is to provide proper medical care to the injured and restore normal operations on the tracks.