Three commuters were injured, with one in critical condition, after falling from an overcrowded Mumbai local train on Friday morning. The incident occurred on a CSMT-bound train between Sion and Matunga stations, highlighting ongoing concerns about passenger safety during peak hours.
Details of the Incident
The accident took place around 10 am as the southbound local train departed from Sion station. According to railway officials, the train had traveled approximately 500 meters when the three passengers reportedly fell from the compartment. Preliminary investigations suggest that extreme overcrowding near the doors caused the individuals to lose balance and tumble from the moving train.
Identification of the Injured
The injured passengers have been identified as Sachin Vishwakarma, 26, from Nalasopara; Afzal Chaudhary, 30, from Govandi; and Zenual Sayyad, 35, from Kurla. Their families have been notified about the incident, and initial statements have been recorded by the authorities.
Response and Investigation
Fellow commuters immediately alerted the railway control room after witnessing the fall. Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel from Dadar promptly arrived at the scene and transported the injured to Sion Hospital for medical treatment.
Anil Mane, Senior Inspector of Dadar GRP, stated that an incident report has been registered and an inquiry has been initiated. "Initial findings indicate that the passengers lost balance and fell from the moving train," Mane explained, emphasizing that overcrowding appears to be the primary factor.
Medical Condition of the Victims
Afzal Chaudhary was reported to be in serious condition on Friday, but hospital authorities informed police on Saturday morning that he is now out of immediate danger. However, he remains in critical condition and requires oxygen support. The other two passengers, Sachin Vishwakarma and Zenual Sayyad, are reported to be stable.
Ongoing Investigation
A senior railway official mentioned that detailed statements from the injured passengers will be recorded once their health improves sufficiently. "Only after that will it be clear whether the incident was purely accidental or if any altercation or dispute contributed to the fall," the official added, indicating that the investigation will explore all possible angles.
The Dadar GRP continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, focusing on:
- The level of overcrowding in the compartment
- Whether safety protocols were followed
- Potential contributing factors beyond crowding
This incident has once again brought attention to the persistent issue of overcrowding on Mumbai's local train network, which serves millions of commuters daily. Railway authorities face ongoing challenges in balancing capacity with passenger safety, particularly during rush hours when trains often operate beyond their intended capacity.
