A heartbreaking incident unfolded on Monday morning in Thane district, Maharashtra, as at least five passengers lost their lives and several others sustained injuries after falling from an overcrowded local train. The tragic accident occurred between Diva and Mumbra stations, a route known for its heavy commuter traffic, particularly during peak hours.
Initial reports from Central Railway officials and eyewitnesses indicate that the incident happened around 9:30 AM. The train, a fast local bound for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), was severely overcrowded, with many commuters forced to stand precariously on the footboard and near the doors. It is believed that a combination of the immense crowd and potentially a jostle or brush with another passing train led to passengers losing their grip and falling onto the tracks.
One theory emerging from initial investigations suggests that the bags of passengers hanging from the doors may have collided as two trains crossed paths, causing a chain reaction that resulted in people being thrown off. The precise sequence of events is still under investigation by railway authorities.
Emergency services were immediately alerted after a guard from a Kasara-bound train reported seeing injured passengers on the tracks. Ambulances rushed to the scene, and the injured were promptly transported to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa and Thane Civil Hospital for urgent medical attention. Authorities have confirmed five fatalities, though earlier reports had varied figures.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the perilous conditions faced by daily commuters on Mumbai’s suburban railway network, often referred to as the city’s lifeline. Overcrowding has been a long-standing issue, with passengers routinely risking their lives by traveling on footboards, a practice necessitated by the sheer volume of commuters and insufficient train capacity.
Public representatives and citizens alike have voiced their anguish and concern. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar termed the incident “unfortunate” and stressed the urgent need to address passenger safety on Mumbai’s suburban trains. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske called for a thorough inquiry into the cause of the accident, questioning if a push or fight contributed to the falls. Opposition leaders have also criticized the railway administration and state government, citing chronic overcrowding and a lack of adequate facilities.
In response to the tragedy, the Railway Board has announced significant measures. All new rakes under manufacturing for the Mumbai Suburban network will be equipped with automatic door closer facilities. Furthermore, existing rakes in service will be retrofitted with this door closure mechanism. This decision underscores the severity of the incident and the recognition of overcrowding as a critical safety hazard.
The incident has caused disruptions to local train services on the Central line, with efforts underway to restore normal operations. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on providing support to the victims’ families and implementing measures to prevent such heartbreaking incidents from occurring again on Mumbai’s crowded railway lines.