What Happened During the Maha Local Train Accident?

Mumbai, June 9 (NationPress) The tragic incident during Monday morning's rush hour in Maharashtra's Thane has resulted in a death toll of four, as reported by officials. Thirteen passengers fell from a moving local train between Mumbra and Diva stations. Nine injured individuals have been admitted to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa. These passengers were en route from Kasara to CSTM, according to a statement from the Thane Municipal Corporation.

The deceased have been identified as Ketan Dilip Saroj (23) from Tanaji Nagar, Ulhasnagar; Rahul Santosh Gupta; Vicky Babasaheb Mukherjee (34), a Railway Police worker; and one unidentified individual.

The injured include: Shiva Gawli (23), who was transferred from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital to Jupiter Hospital due to critical condition; Aadesh Bhoir (26) from Adhgaon, Kasara, in stable condition at Shivaji Maharaj Hospital; Rihan Sheikh (26) from Bhiwandi, also stable at Shivaji Maharaj Hospital; Anil More (40), critical and sent to Jupiter Hospital; Tushar Bhagat (22), stable at Shivaji Maharaj Hospital; Manish Saroj (26) from Diva Sabegaon, stable at Shivaji Maharaj Hospital; and Machhindra Gotarne (39) from Vashind, stable at Shivaji Maharaj Hospital.

Two women were among the injured: Sneha Dhonde (21) from Titwala, stable at Shivaji Maharaj Hospital, and Priyanka Bhatia (26) from Shahad, Kalyan, also in stable condition and receiving treatment at Shivaji Maharaj Hospital.

An eyewitness recounted, “Due to the huge crowd on the local train, some passengers were hanging from the doors. Simultaneously, the Pushpak Express heading to Lucknow passed alongside the local train, causing passengers at the doors to fall after being struck by it.”

After the incident, some bystanders alerted the RPF, and the injured were taken to a hospital in Kalwa. A resident of Diva stated, “They learned about the accident after seeing videos on social media, showing passengers falling from the local train. The injured were lifted from the tracks and taken to the platform, suffering serious injuries and torn clothing.”

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating it was extremely unfortunate. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families affected. We share in their grief. The injured are receiving care at Shivaji Hospital and Thane General Hospital. The local administration is coordinating efforts, and I pray for the swift recovery of the injured. An inquiry has been initiated by the railway department into the cause of this incident,” he remarked.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that railway authorities have begun an investigation to determine the cause of this tragic event. “This accident near Mumbra railway station is deeply distressing. Thousands travel this route daily, and I empathize with the grieving families. Instructions have been given to hospitals in Thane and Kalwa for immediate and proper treatment of the injured, and I have personally communicated with the doctors,” he stated.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar emphasized the urgent need to improve passenger safety on Mumbai suburban trains, urging the railway administration to take necessary actions.

Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske called for an investigation into the causes of the accident, questioning whether crowd dynamics played a role.

Former Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Rajan Vichare pointed out the inadequate supply of local trains on the Mumbai to Kalyan route, stressing the need to increase train frequency to prevent overcrowding.

NCP(SP) MP Supriya Sule offered her condolences and urged better crowd management by the railway administration to prevent similar incidents.

NCP(SP) leader Vidya Chavan criticized the railway administration for the lack of facilities and preparedness, stating that passengers are forced to travel precariously.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera remarked that this tragic accident highlights the Maharashtra government's indifference towards overcrowding and safety challenges on the Mumbai Suburban Rail network.

Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya described the Mumbra Kalwa incident as unfortunate, indicating that the transport system has not evolved in tandem with population growth in the region.

Maharashtra Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar condemned the government, calling for accountability from the railway minister and suggesting a need for improvements in the local train system.

“The horrific accident occurring today in Mumbai's local trains, regarded as the lifeline of the city, is deeply tragic. Millions of passengers travel daily, often hanging on for dear life. The management of Mumbai's passenger crowd cannot be handled effectively; there are insufficient extra trains during peak hours, and delays exacerbate crowding. Instead of addressing these pressing issues, the Railway Minister seems preoccupied with other matters,” he stated.

He concluded by emphasizing that ordinary Mumbaikars risk their lives daily while commuting and demanded accountability from the Railway Minister. The MahaYuti government should engage with the Central government regarding the local train issues in Mumbai.