The Central Railways said in a statement that the passengers fell because of the excessive crowd in the train.
At least two passengers died after falling from a moving local train between Mumbra and Diva stations, and several others were injured.
The accident occurred on the Down Fast line, during peak rush hour, as the train was heading towards Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). Overcrowding is believed to be a major factor contributing to the incident.
According to Dr. Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, “As per information received from the Guard of the Kasara-bound local train, eight people had fallen down between Mumbra and Diva stations. These people have been rushed to hospitals for treatment.”
Earlier reports suggested as many as five fatalities; however, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has since confirmed that two people died in the incident.
One of the passengers, Tushar Bhagat, a data operator who boarded the train at Titwala, suffered injuries to his head and leg. “I don’t know exactly what happened,” he said. “An express train was passing us. As we approached the curve near Mumbra, those standing at the door started getting squeezed. They held onto us to save themselves, but we all fell. I don’t remember much after that.”
Officials suspect that the incident occurred due to a combination of overcrowding and the sharp curve near Mumbra, where local and long-distance trains – including the Pushpak Express on the fast line toward Kalyan – were moving in opposite directions. There is speculation that the trains may have brushed past one another, causing panic among the passengers standing near the doors.
In response to the incident, the Railway Board has announced immediate safety upgrades for Mumbai’s suburban train network. “All rakes under manufacturing for Mumbai Suburban will have automatic door closer facilities. All rakes in service will be redesigned and door closure facilities will be provided,” said Dilip Kumar, Executive Director (Information & Publicity) of the Railway Board.
One of the deceased has been identified as Adesh Anant Bhoir, a resident of Aathgaon in Shahapur Taluka.
Passenger associations have once again raised concerns about chronic overcrowding on Mumbai’s local trains, especially with schools and colleges having reopened, and are calling for urgent safety reforms.
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