Thane: 5 Killed After Falling from Mumbai’s Lifeline Local Train

A tragic incident unfolded on Monday morning in Maharashtra’s Thane district, where four passengers lost their lives and six others sustained injuries after falling from a moving train between Diva and Kopar stations. The passengers, believed to be commuters, reportedly fell while the train was heading towards Kasara during the peak rush hour.

The train, overcrowded as is common during the morning rush, had passengers hanging precariously near the doors. According to an official, at least 15 individuals lost their balance and fell off while the train was in motion. The exact cause of the fall is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest overcrowding might have been a major factor.

The incident came to light when a guard on another train traveling toward Kasara noticed injured people lying beside the tracks and immediately alerted the railway control room. Railway officials quickly responded, and the victims were rushed to Kalwa’s civic-run hospital. Tragically, four of the victims, aged between 30 and 35, were declared dead on arrival.

Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, confirmed that the control room was alerted around 9:30 am. While initial confusion prevailed about which train the passengers had fallen from, authorities are now narrowing down the details, including whether it was a local or an express train.

The incident has drawn strong reactions from political leaders. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske demanded a detailed probe into the tragedy. Speaking to a regional news channel, Mhaske questioned whether the fall was due to pushing, crowding, or some altercation, and emphasized that such incidents shouldn’t be happening on express trains, where crowding is typically less severe than local trains.

Ambadas Danve, Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, expressed deep grief over the tragedy and raised concerns about the deteriorating safety standards of the Mumbai railway system. He described the incident as “heartbreaking” and “serious,” adding that it underscores the urgent need for improved passenger safety measures.

As investigations continue, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the daily struggles faced by thousands of Mumbai commuters. The tragic loss of life has once again highlighted the pressing need for better crowd management, infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced surveillance on the country’s railway network.Tools