Thirteen people were killed after a fire rumour on a train crossing Maharashtra’s Jalgaon triggered panic among passengers, with several of them jumping off the train and getting crushed by another incoming train, said the police. (NDTV 23 January 2025) Disaster follows disaster and rumours follow rumours. (Ezekiel 7:26) There is a proverb: Jumping from a frying pan into fire.
Fear and phobia: Fear is good, in that it teaches humans to be careful. Fear of danger, sickness, accidents, and pain, prevents a person from being careless and takes precautions, and preventive measures. However, when the fear is excessive and prevents a person from normal behaviour, it is termed as phobia. Such people have allergic and hysteric reactions to certain things. Water-phobia means people are afraid of water. People could be afraid of cockroaches, bus or train rides, high altitudes, any person who sneezes…etc. Probably, one person who had a phobia of fire or accidents started the rumour that spread fast and resulted in unfortunate deaths.
Fear of death: The root of any phobia is the fear of death. For most people, life after death is unknown or a mystery. Hence, they are afraid to face death. But, for the disciples, there is a great assurance, guarantee, and hope. When the temporal ends, as they close their eyes on earth, they open it in Heaven. Because of this truth, believers are delivered from the fear of death, which is a lifelong slavery. (Hebrew 2:15)
Panic: The rumour birthed out of phobia or fear of death spread fast, as usually, the fake news does. The panic was the cause of the death and injury of several. They feared death and fell to death.
Herd mentality: When an influential person does something, it is natural for all to follow. When a person shouted, spreading a rumour, and jumped out of the train, many followed. Sadly, humans follow the wrong person in the wrong direction many times.
Protection: Christians should pray for protection during travels as God has promised. (Psalms 121:8)
Do I pray and trust God’s promise of protection?