Eleven passengers tragically lost their lives on Wednesday in Maharashtra, India, after jumping off a moving train amid fears of a fire, only to be struck by an oncoming train.

The incident occurred in Jalgaon district, approximately 400 kilometres from Mumbai, and has once again highlighted safety issues in India’s extensive railway network, which serves millions of passengers daily.

Ayush Prasad, a senior district official, confirmed the fatalities and stated that five other passengers are receiving medical treatment. “People were run over by a train,” he said, without clarifying if the fire alarm was genuine or false.

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According to a spokesperson for Indian Railways, the chaos began when someone activated the “alarm chain” on the Mumbai-bound train, prompting several passengers to disembark. Tragically, they were struck by a train traveling in the opposite direction.

India’s interior minister, Amit Shah, expressed his grief over the incident, saying, “Deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident.” Maharashtra’s chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, described the tragedy as “deeply disturbing” and said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Despite efforts to modernise the railway infrastructure with a $30 billion investment aimed at improving safety and connectivity, accidents remain a significant concern. Official records indicate that an average of 20,000 people died annually in rail-related accidents between 2017 and 2021.

In 2023, one of the country’s deadliest rail disasters claimed nearly 300 lives when a passenger train collided with a stationary goods train, leading to further collisions.

India continues to grapple with balancing its rapid economic growth with ensuring the safety of its ageing railway network.

Mrs Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of Nigeria’s former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has been released from a United Kingdom prison after serving her sentence.

Sources confirmed that she returned to Nigeria on Tuesday and is currently in Abuja.

The news of her release has sparked widespread celebration in her hometown of Mpu, located in the Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Mrs Ekweremadu was jailed in 2023 alongside her husband and one Obinna Obeta for an organ-trafficking plot. While Beatrice has returned home, her husband remains in custody, prompting prayers from the community for his release.

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Mr Benjamin Chijioke, President of the Mpu Town Union Federated, expressed immense relief and joy over her return. “Our joy as Mpu people knows no bounds. It is a great day for us. Since morning, it has been jubilation and celebration in all the villages. People are shedding tears of joy, especially those who depended on the philanthropic disposition of the family to survive,” Chijioke said. He also prayed for Senator Ekweremadu’s safe return, noting the significant setback their absence had caused the community.

Ogbuka Edwin, the councillor of Mpu Ward, described the day as a “public holiday” in the community. “The absence of Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife created a big gap in the community. We are not going to relent in our prayers until our hero and leader joins his family, and we are trusting what God can do. It is celebration galore,” Edwin stated.

The entire Mpu community came alive on the Orie market day, with jubilations marking the family’s partial reunion. Meanwhile, supporters continue to hope and pray for the Senator’s eventual release.

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, locked out hundreds of civil servants during a surprise inspection at the state secretariat on Wednesday morning.

The unscheduled visit, which took place around 10:35 am, revealed a disappointing sight—only a few workers were present while the rest were absent from their posts.

Upon arrival, Governor Alia’s convoy toured the site to inspect ongoing renovations, including the installation of new lighting.

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However, as the governor arrived, security personnel quickly shut the gates, trapping civil servants outside as they had not reported to work.

The governor expressed frustration during his visit, noting that several key figures, including commissioners and senior officials, were not present.

He took the opportunity to address the workers who had gathered outside, voicing his displeasure and delivering a pointed message about their lack of commitment.

“With what you are doing, you are creating a vicious circle for your families,” Governor Alia said. “You cannot get money and be uplifted because you are cheats, and because of the effect of what you are doing.”

In a direct appeal, the governor emphasized that his role was not for personal gain, but for the benefit of the public.

“The work I do is not for me, but for those who don’t know that I am the governor and those who will see me and not recognise me. I am appealing to you because I have a quick way of getting your names and firing you as I have the power to do so. I am speaking to you as a priest and not as governor and telling you the dangers of what you are doing.”

Governor Alia further highlighted the importance of responsibility within the civil service, pointing out that the workers were an essential part of the state’s governance.

“It is not about me, who is government? All of you here are the government. Even in the family, somebody governs the home and there are rules. And in every government there are rules.”

Closing his address, he urged the workers to reflect on their actions and consider the larger impact on the community.

“I am not frustrated but I do not want you to be doomed. See what you can do if not for yourselves but for the people you are caring for and are behind you because they are the ones to take the heat.”