11 Killed in Maharashtra Train Accident, Reports Confirm

At least 11 people died in a tragic rail accident in Maharashtra, India, on Wednesday when they disembarked from their train due to fears of a fire, only to be struck by a passing train on an adjacent track. The incident occurred after someone pulled the train's alarm chain, prompting passengers to evacuate. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that emergency services were dispatched and arrangements were made for the injured, with no critical cases reported. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about India's rail safety, as the country undertakes a $30 billion modernization of its railway infrastructure amid a history of rail accidents. Fadnavis expressed his condolences and noted that the state government would provide financial assistance to the victims' families. Recent statistics indicate an average of 20,000 deaths annually from rail accidents in India, underscoring the need for continued improvements.