Thane Train Tragedy: Four Dead, Six Injured After Falling from Overcrowded Local During Morning Rush
Thane, Maharashtra — June 9 A tragic accident during the Monday morning rush hour has once again highlighted the dangers of Mumbai’s overcrowded suburban train network. At least four people, including a Government Railway Police (GRP) constable, lost their lives after falling from a moving local train in Thane district, while six others were seriously injured, according to railway and police officials.
The incident occurred between Diva and Kopar stations on a Kasara-bound local train, reportedly around 9:30 am. Authorities believe the victims were among a group of commuters who were standing on the train's footboards, a common but risky practice during peak travel times in Mumbai's packed suburban railways.
Passengers Collided While Hanging on Footboards
Initial investigations suggest that passengers on two trains brushed against each other while hanging on footboards due to extreme overcrowding. However, railway officials stated that the exact cause is still under investigation.
The victims were flung off the moving train, and at least 12 passengers reportedly fell onto the tracks, according to a railway official. The guard of the Kasara-bound train immediately alerted the control room, and help was dispatched to the scene.
Four Declared Dead, Six Under Treatment
By 9:50 am, emergency services had transported the injured to Shivaji Hospital and Thane General Hospital. Unfortunately, four of the twelve victims were declared dead on arrival.
The deceased were identified as:
- Ketan Saroj
- Rahul Gupta
- Mayur Shah
- GRP Constable Vicky Mukhyad
The injured include four men and two women, all currently undergoing treatment.
CM, Deputy CMs React: High-Level Probe Ordered
Reacting to the tragedy, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called the incident "very unfortunate" and assured that a full inquiry is underway. He posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating that the railway administration is investigating the matter.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and said that "saving lives is the top priority." He announced that a high-level committee would be formed to investigate the causes and fix accountability.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar added that the incident is a "grim reminder of the urgent need to fix overcrowding and safety" in Mumbai's local train network.
Opposition Slams Railway Safety Lapses
Opposition leader Ambadas Danve demanded strict accountability from the Central Railway, saying the incident raises serious concerns about passenger safety.
Shiv Sena MP from Thane, Naresh Mhaske, questioned whether the fall resulted from overcrowding, a push, or an altercation, urging for all angles to be investigated.
Railway Officials Deny Pushpak Express Involvement
Earlier rumors suggested that the Pushpak Express was involved, but Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Central Railway, clarified that the incident involved a local train, not the long-distance express. He confirmed that eight passengers were found on the tracks, and one injured person said the fall occurred when commuters from opposite trains collided while hanging on footboards.
Railway Users Association Blames Negligence
Om Prakash Sharma, President of the Thane District Railway Users Association, criticized the authorities for repeatedly ignoring warnings about the dangers of overcrowding. "This was bound to happen. Commuters are forced to hang outside trains due to lack of space, and authorities do little beyond promises," he said.
Chronic Overcrowding: A Long-Ignored Crisis
Mumbai’s suburban railway network is often called the lifeline of the city, carrying over 7.5 million passengers daily. But it is also known for frequent accidents, particularly during peak hours when passengers are crammed beyond capacity.
Over the years, civic bodies, passenger associations, and even state politicians have repeatedly raised alarm bells over overcrowding, but infrastructure expansion and safety measures have not kept pace.
What's Next: Will This Lead to Real Change?
While announcements of investigations and committees have been made, commuters are demanding action, not just reports. Experts suggest that only urgent investments in additional rakes, real-time crowd monitoring, and automated doors could help reduce the daily risk.
As the families of the deceased mourn their tragic loss, Mumbai’s train system faces another moment of reckoning — will it be another forgotten tragedy, or the catalyst for long-overdue reform?