Mumbai Metro Viaduct Collapse Turns Wedding Trip Into Tragedy
A joyous wedding journey descended into horror on Saturday when a parapet segment from an under-construction Metro 4 viaduct structure collapsed onto LBS Road in Mulund, Mumbai. The falling debris struck an autorickshaw and a car, resulting in one fatality and two critical injuries. The incident has sparked outrage and a fierce demand for justice from the affected family, who are refusing to accept the body of the deceased until their compensation demands are addressed.
Family's Heart-Wrenching Stand and Compensation Demands
The victim, identified as Ramdhan Yadav, a 50-year-old sarpanch from Barsathi village in Uttar Pradesh's Jaunpur, lost his life in the accident. He is survived by three daughters, aged 24, 16, and 12. His relatives have taken a firm stance, declining to accept his body until they receive a compensation package of no less than Rs 1 crore. They argue that if the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) can impose a Rs 5 crore fine on the contractor responsible, a significant portion should rightfully go to the family who suffered an irreplaceable loss.
Sarvesh Yadav, a relative, expressed the family's anguish, stating, "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." By Sunday evening, MMRDA announced a compensation package totaling Rs 35 lakh to Rs 40 lakh, which includes Rs 15 lakh in financial aid from the authority, an insurance sum of Rs 15-20 lakh, and a Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia payment. However, the family deems this insufficient, insisting on a higher amount and a government job for Ramdhan's immediate kin.
Critical Injuries and Political Appeals Amidst Neglect
The two injured individuals, Mahendra (52) and Rajkumar (25), remain in critical condition at Upasani Hospital. Rajkumar, the autorickshaw driver, underwent surgery but has not regained consciousness. He sustained extensive leg damage and severe upper body injuries. As the sole earning member of his family, with a 21-year-old son and a teenage daughter, his condition adds to the family's distress. Mahendra, though able to speak, suffers from broken ribs and remains in a critical state.
With many relatives already in Mumbai for the wedding, the family scattered across the city in the aftermath. Some kept vigil at the hospital, while others gathered at Mulund police station. Most sought assistance at the office of MLA Mihir Kotecha, pleading for justice. Kotecha commented, "Their logic was that if MMRDA fined the contractor Rs 5 crore, that money should reach the family, as they lost a human being. We sympathise with the family and are willing to help them to the best of our capacity." However, sources close to the MLA suggested the family's demands might be excessive.
Outside the hospital, Urmila Yadav, Rajkumar's cousin, highlighted the neglect faced by the family. "No politician came forward to even fix our food and water for the day," she said, adding that washroom facilities for female members were limited, with only a few allowed inside the hospital building. The hospital has not issued any statement, and press interactions with doctors or staff were restricted, leaving many questions unanswered about the ongoing medical care and safety protocols.
Broader Implications and Calls for Accountability
This tragic incident underscores serious concerns about construction safety standards in Mumbai's infrastructure projects. The collapse of the Metro viaduct segment not only caused immediate harm but has also exposed gaps in emergency response and support for affected families. The family's refusal to accept the body until their demands are met reflects a broader frustration with systemic failures and the perceived inadequacy of official compensation measures.
As investigations into the cause of the collapse proceed, the focus remains on ensuring accountability from MMRDA and the contractor involved. The family's plea for a government job and substantial compensation highlights the long-term economic and emotional impact of such accidents. This case serves as a stark reminder of the human cost behind urban development and the urgent need for stricter safety regulations to prevent future tragedies.
