Key Points
- Major accident in Thane: 10 passengers fell from a local train between Mumbra and Diva at 9:30 am; 6 people confirmed dead.
- Collision between two local trains led to the tragedy as passengers standing near the doors fell onto the tracks.
- Central Railway responds: Announces installation of automatic closing doors on all Mumbai suburban local trains, both new and existing.
- Investigation launched: Authorities to examine CCTV footage, crowding levels, and possible altercations among passengers.
- Initial confusion clarified: Accident involved local trains, not the Pushpak Express as first reported.
Mumbai: A devastating accident rocked Mumbai’s suburban rail network on Monday morning when 10 passengers fell from a crowded local train between Mumbra and Diva stations around 9:30 am. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of six people and left several others injured, prompting swift action from Central Railway authorities.
How the Accident Happened
According to Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Swapnil Neela, the accident occurred when two local trains one on the CSMT track and the other on the Kasara track were passing each other. The gap between the trains was just 1.5 to 2 meters. Passengers standing near the open doors, many with bags slung behind them, were jostled and lost their balance as the trains crossed paths, causing them to fall onto the tracks below.
Local residents and bystanders rushed to help, quickly transporting the injured to the government hospital in Kalwa. Ambulances soon arrived at the scene, but six people succumbed to their injuries.
Immediate Railway Response and Safety Overhaul
In the wake of the tragedy, Central Railway has announced a major safety upgrade for Mumbai’s lifeline: automatic closing doors will now be installed in all coaches of Mumbai suburban local trains. This will apply not only to new trains being manufactured but also to the existing fleet, which will be retrofitted with the new safety feature.
Swapnil Neela emphasized, “Passenger safety is our top priority. The new automatic doors will help prevent such accidents in the future, especially during peak hours when trains are overcrowded.”
Investigation Underway
Railway authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the incident. Key points of inquiry include:
- Whether CCTV cameras captured the accident.
- The level of crowding in the affected coaches.
- Reports of altercations or pushing among passengers.
- The adequacy of the gap between parallel tracks.
Officials are also examining whether the design of stations and platforms contributed to the risk.
Initial Confusion Cleared
Early reports mistakenly linked the accident to the Pushpak Express. However, CPRO Swapnil Neela clarified, “The Pushpak Express was not involved in this incident. Both trains were local suburban services.”
Broader Safety Measures on the Horizon
In addition to installing automatic doors, Central Railway is considering the construction of a sixth railway line between Thane and CSMT to ease congestion and improve safety. The incident has also prompted a review of crowd management and emergency response protocols across the Mumbai suburban network.
