Mumbai, Feb 14 (NationPress) The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has established a high-ranking investigation panel led by Basavraj M. Bhadragond, the Director, to probe the circumstances surrounding the collapse of a segment of a Metro Line 4 pillar under construction. This tragic incident resulted in the death of one individual and injuries to three others when the pillar fell onto moving vehicles.

In its official statement, MMRDA announced that the committee will scrutinize various aspects, including the construction methods employed, the adherence to quality control measures, the effectiveness of supervision, and the compliance documentation. A comprehensive report has been requested on an urgent basis.

The accident transpired around 12:15 p.m. near Pier P196 of the under-construction Metro Line 4 corridor (Wadala-Kasarvadavali), adjacent to the Mulund Fire Station. A parapet segment detached and fell from a significant height, hitting a passing auto-rickshaw.

The victim, identified as Ramdhan Yadav, was extricated from the debris and transported to the hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead. Three additional individuals were also taken to a local medical facility.

According to police reports, Rajkumar Indrajeet Yadav (45) is in critical condition in the ICU, while Mahendra Pratap Yadav (52) and Deepa Ruhiya (40) are currently stable.

The MMRDA has committed to covering all medical expenses for the injured parties. Financial aid will be allocated according to the established policy, with expedited processing of disbursements.

Following the incident, the project team promptly secured the area, erecting barricades around the affected zone. A thorough structural safety evaluation is now underway in collaboration with the BMC, disaster management officials, local police, and fire brigade personnel.

To clarify circulating misinformation on social media, MMRDA stated that some images shared were from a previously reported incident. “The recent collapse occurred near Pier No. P196, whereas the images circulating pertain to a different site entirely. These locations are distinctly separate within the corridor. Any claims suggesting that this incident occurred at the previously flagged site are incorrect. Nonetheless, this matter will be investigated during the inquiry to maintain full transparency,” the statement elaborated.

As a precaution, all construction activities in the immediate vicinity have been temporarily suspended while preliminary findings are assessed.

“Public safety is our utmost priority. Stringent accountability will be maintained based on the inquiry's findings, and necessary corrective actions will be implemented to avert future occurrences. Additional updates will be communicated upon receipt of the inquiry report,”

it concluded.

Previously, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis mandated an investigation into the incident. He also announced a financial package of Rs 5 lakh for the family of the deceased and free medical care for the injured.

In a post on X, Fadnavis expressed his sorrow over the Mulund incident, stating that the state government would bear the treatment costs of the injured and wished for their swift recovery.

Meanwhile, Harshwardhan Sapkal, the president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, criticized the state administration, alleging negligence in safety protocols and corruption. He demanded accountability from the Chief Minister and questioned whether sufficient safety measures were in place during metro construction in densely populated regions.

“Why is safety being compromised during metro construction in crowded areas? Will the government scrutinize the quality of work and safety measures? This inquiry cannot solely target the contractor; the BJP-led alliance must also accept responsibility and recognize its role,”

he remarked.