Mumbai Metro-4 Viaduct Collapse Claims Life of UP Village Sarpanch, Injures Two Relatives
A celebratory family trip to Mumbai for a wedding turned into a nightmare on Sunday when a segment of the Metro-4 viaduct collapsed on LBS Road in Mulund. The tragic incident resulted in the immediate death of Ramdhan Yadav (50), the sarpanch of Barsathi village in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, and left two of his relatives with severe injuries.
Family's Grief Turns to Anger Over Compensation Dispute
By evening, the initial shock and sorrow had transformed into palpable anger as the Yadav family questioned the compensation offered by authorities. The family has refused to accept Ramdhan Yadav's body, using it as a symbol of their demand for justice and adequate reparation.
"If fines worth crores can be recovered from the contractor, why should the family settle for anything less than justice?" asked Sarvesh Yadav, a relative of the deceased. The family specifically pointed out that if the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) plans to levy Rs 5 crore in penalties on the contractor, they should receive at least Rs 1 crore in compensation.
Ramdhan Yadav is survived by three daughters aged 24, 16, and 12. "His body is the proof of the tragedy on us. Once we take his body back to our village and proceed with cremation, we will be left on our own," explained Sarvesh Yadav, highlighting their strategic refusal to claim the remains.
MMRDA's Response and Compensation Package
In response to the tragedy, MMRDA announced a compensation package totaling Rs 35–40 lakh, which includes:
- Rs 15 lakh in financial aid
- An insurance payout of Rs 15–20 lakh
- Rs 5 lakh ex gratia payment
However, the family continues to press for additional measures, including a government job for immediate kin and enhanced compensation that reflects what they consider appropriate accountability.
Injured Relatives Fight for Survival in Hospital
At Upasani Hospital, relatives maintained a vigil outside the intensive care unit where two injured family members are fighting for their lives. Rajkumar Yadav (25), an autorickshaw driver, underwent surgery but had not regained consciousness. Family members reported extensive leg injuries and severe upper body trauma.
Mahendra Yadav (52), though conscious, sustained broken ribs and remains in critical condition. Hospital authorities have restricted media access to doctors and have not issued an official medical bulletin, adding to the family's anxiety.
Investigation Points to Contractor Negligence
Investigators revealed that a large concrete parapet segment fell onto an autorickshaw and a car passing below the viaduct, mangling both vehicles and leaving bystanders stunned by the impact.
MMRDA has termed the incident a case of prima facie negligence, citing multiple lapses:
- Contractor RAJV–Milan Infra and its sub-contractor failed to maintain proper safety standards
- Inadequate supervision by the general consultant DB–Hill–LBG consortium
- Potential structural deficiencies in the viaduct construction
A detailed technical probe has been initiated to determine the precise cause and fix responsibility. Meanwhile, an executive engineer has been suspended pending the inquiry's outcome.
Legal Actions and Safety Measures Implemented
In swift legal action, five individuals linked to the contractor and consultant were arrested and remanded to three-day police custody by a Dadar holiday court. Police are also searching for a welder and a project consultant believed to be connected to the work at the accident site.
In an extraordinary safety response, MMRDA ordered a special intensive inspection across the entire Wadala–Kasarvadavali Metro-4 corridor. A multi-disciplinary team will conduct day-wise documentation of structural conditions and corrective measures over the next three to four days.
"Any component found unsafe or non-compliant will be secured, rectified, or removed immediately," officials stated, adding that work at affected locations would remain suspended until written clearance is granted.
A Wedding Celebration Transformed into Mourning
For the Yadav family, the official actions and investigations offer little comfort. "We came to Mumbai for a wedding," said one relative quietly outside the hospital. "We are now planning a funeral." The tragic contrast between their original purpose in Mumbai and their current reality underscores the profound personal loss amid the broader questions of infrastructure safety and accountability.
The incident has raised serious concerns about construction safety standards in Mumbai's rapidly expanding metro network, particularly as the city prepares for increased infrastructure development ahead of future urban growth.
