Mumbai, February 14 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow over the tragic collapse of a metro pillar currently under construction in Mulund, Mumbai. In response to this unfortunate event, he has announced a financial aid of Rs 5 lakh for the family of the deceased.

Additionally, an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident has been initiated.

According to officials, the incident resulted in the death of one individual and left at least four others injured. A section of a parapet wall from an elevated Metro rail bridge fell onto LBS Road, striking a passing auto-rickshaw and a car.

The CM's office stated, "In the Mulund region of Mumbai, a slab from the ongoing metro construction collapsed, leading to one fatality and multiple injuries. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has conveyed his condolences and ordered a thorough inquiry into this incident."

"The state will provide 5 lakh rupees to the heirs of the deceased, while the government will cover the medical expenses for the injured. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also expressed hopes for the quick recovery of those affected," the statement continued.

As per authorities, the mishap occurred when a parapet wall section, measuring approximately 6x4 feet, fell from the elevated structure onto the vehicles below.

This unexpected collapse caused panic in the vicinity and triggered a swift response from emergency services.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) confirmed that all necessary medical support is being provided to the injured individuals.

Officials stated that members of the Metro project team have arrived at the site and are actively participating in relief and site-securement efforts in collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and disaster management authorities.

The BMC's disaster control wing verified the dimensions of the fallen section and reported that rescue and clearance operations were executed promptly.

The deceased has been identified as Ramdhan Yadav.

Among the injured, Rajkumar Indrajeet Yadav, aged 45, is currently in the intensive care unit and remains in critical condition. The other injured individuals, Mahendra Pratap Yadav, 52, and Deepa Ruhiya, 40, are reported to be stable.

Details regarding the fourth injured person have not yet been disclosed.

The MMRDA has announced that a formal investigation has been ordered to determine the precise cause of the collapse and to review the safety protocols and structural stability measures in place at the project site.

"The Metro project team is on-site and is collaborating with the BMC and disaster management authorities to facilitate relief operations and secure the area," the MMRDA stated in an official release.

In the meantime, Congress MP and Mumbai Congress President Varsha Gaikwad has raised serious concerns regarding public safety on social media, questioning the government's accountability.

"Are the lives of Mumbaikars so inexpensive? Does the government and the MMRDA care about this?" she asked. "They seem to be merely managing infrastructure and public relations; what about the lives of Mumbaikars at risk? Why were safety measures only theoretical during the Metro construction?"

She further criticized the rush to showcase project progress, asking if the quality and technical safety were being compromised. "Who will take responsibility? Every time such accidents happen, we see only an investigation without accountability. We seek development, but not at the cost of safety for Mumbaikars," she concluded.

Further updates are anticipated as the investigation unfolds.