Tragic Train Incident in Maharashtra: Four Lives Lost as Passengers Fall from Overcrowded Local Train
Fatal Accident on Local Train in Thane
Mumbai: A tragic incident occurred in Maharashtra's Thane district on Monday morning, resulting in the deaths of four passengers and injuries to six others after they fell from a moving local train, according to police reports.
The accident transpired between Diva and Kopar railway stations while the train was en route to Kasara, as stated by a police official.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident may have been caused by commuters hanging from the footboards of two overcrowded trains, leading to a collision of their backpacks as the trains passed each other, although railway officials have not confirmed the exact number of fatalities.
Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed his condolences and assured that all necessary measures would be taken to assist the victims and their families.
An inquiry into the accident has been launched by the Railways, as indicated in a statement from the deputy CM's office.
A police spokesperson noted that the peak hour rush led many passengers to stand at the train doors.
While the train was moving, at least ten individuals fell off, according to the official.
The guard of a train heading towards Kasara alerted railway authorities about the situation.
All passengers who fell were quickly transported to a civic hospital in Kalwa, where four were pronounced dead upon arrival.
The deceased individuals were reported to be between the ages of 30 and 35.
Swapnil Nila, the chief public relations officer for Central Railway, informed the media that eight passengers were located on the railway tracks.
The guard of a fast local train bound for Kasara reported the incident to the control room around 9:30 AM, and all injured individuals were taken to the hospital by 9:50 AM.
Nila mentioned that an injured passenger indicated that the falls occurred due to a collision between commuters on footboards of local trains traveling in opposite directions.
He dismissed claims that the passengers fell from the Lucknow-bound Pushpak Express, which departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in south Mumbai at approximately 8:30 AM.
Deputy CM Shinde expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, stating, "Thousands of passengers travel this route every morning. This is a very unfortunate event, and I share the grief of the families of the deceased."
The administration has promptly mobilized medical response teams to assist the injured, with hospitals in Thane and Kalwa instructed to provide immediate and thorough care.
An inquiry has been initiated by the Railways to investigate the accident, with the exact cause expected to be revealed soon.
Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena Lok Sabha member from Thane, Naresh Mhaske, called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the passengers' deaths.
He emphasized the need to understand how the incident occurred, questioning whether it was due to overcrowding, pushing, or a fight.
Mhaske remarked, "While one can understand incidents in crowded local trains, this tragedy occurred in a moving express train. The administration must remain vigilant."
Ambadas Danve, the Leader of Opposition in the state legislative council, expressed his heartbreak over the incident, highlighting the serious implications for railway safety in Mumbai.