Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 9: A tragic incident during Monday morning’s rush hour has claimed the lives of four passengers and left 13 others injured after they fell from a moving local train between Mumbra and Diva stations in Thane, Maharashtra.
According to the Thane Municipal Corporation, the deceased have been identified as Ketan Dilip Saroj (23) from Ulhasnagar, Rahul Santosh Gupta, Vicky Babasaheb Mukherjee (34) — a Railway Police employee — and one unidentified person.
Nine of the injured were rushed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital, Kalwa. Two critically injured passengers — Shiva Gawli (23) and Anil More (40) — were shifted to Jupiter Hospital. The others include:
• Aadesh Bhoir (26) from Adhgaon, Kasara, stable and at Shivaji Maharaj Hospital
• Rihan Sheikh (26) from Bhiwandi, stable
• Tushar Bhagat (22), stable
• Manish Saroj (26) from Diva Sabegaon, stable
• Machhindra Gotarne (39) from Vashind, stable
• Sneha Dhonde (21) from Titwala, stable
• Priyanka Bhatia (26) from Shahad, Kalyan, stable
Eyewitnesses described the horrific moment: “The local was extremely crowded, and some passengers were hanging by the doors. As the Pushpak Express to Lucknow passed alongside, those standing at the door were struck and fell,” one witness recounted.
Locals rushed to inform the Railway Protection Force (RPF) after seeing passengers fall. Videos circulating on social media showed passengers being lifted from the tracks, their clothes torn and injuries severe.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called the incident “extremely unfortunate” and offered condolences to the bereaved families. “The injured are being treated at Shivaji Maharaj Hospital and Thane General Hospital,” he said, adding that an inquiry has been ordered.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized that a thorough investigation would be conducted. “This is a horrific accident. Thousands of commuters use this route daily. We have instructed hospitals to provide immediate and proper care to the injured,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also expressed his concern, urging authorities to prioritize passenger safety.
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske called for clarity on the cause of the accident, questioning whether anyone pushed the victims. “This needs to be investigated thoroughly,” he said.
Former Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Rajan Vichare highlighted the overcrowding crisis: “Local trains on the Mumbai-Kalyan route are inadequate. More trains should be added.”
NCP(SP) MP Supriya Sule demanded proper crowd management to prevent similar tragedies.
NCP(SP) leader Vidya Chavan slammed the railway administration, pointing out the absence of ambulances and the dangerous overcrowding that forces passengers to cling to train doors.
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera called the tragedy “a grim reminder of the government’s insensitivity” towards the chronic issues plaguing Mumbai’s lifeline.
Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya linked the accident to insufficient transport capacity, while Maharashtra Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar blamed the “triple-engine government” for failing commuters. He demanded the railway minister’s resignation, stating, “Instead of addressing overcrowding and safety, the Railway Minister is busy making reels.”
He added, “Millions depend on these local trains, risking their lives daily. This lifeline has turned into a death trap.”
The incident underscores the urgent need for improved crowd management, additional services, and safer conditions for Mumbai’s local train passengers — the backbone of the city’s daily commute.