Rail Minister arrives in Mumbai to oversee operations in footbridge stampede, 22 dead and 32 injured says Western Rail
The Western Railway official tweet said, "32 persons are injured in unfortunate incidence of Stampede at North FOB at Elphinstone Road while there are 22 casualties confirmed @drmbct."
The incident occurred on Friday morning during peak rush hour on a footbridge near the Elphinstone and Parel railway stations on the city's suburban railway route.
"Just landed in Mumbai. Deeply grieved at tragic loss of innocent lives due to an unfortunate stampede at Elphinstone Road foot over bridge," tweeted the Railway minister soon after his arrival in the city.
The Railways have ordered an inquiry into the cause of the stampede, which many have said was due to the heavy rain, according to media reports.
The Western Railway too said on its official Twitter handle, "During heavy rains, due to stampede like situation on North Foot Over Bridge at Elphinsten Road station at about 10.30 am @drmbct."
"Have ordered a high level enquiry headed by the Chief Safety Officer, Western Railways," tweeted Piyush Goyal.
The Railway expressed his sorrow over the incident. "My heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured persons, " he tweeted.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Police have sent out requests for blood. They tweeted, "A -ve, B -ve and AB -ve blood is required in KEM hospital for those injured in #Elphinstone stampede . Please contact the blood bank at KEM."
President Ram Nath Kovind has expressed anguish over the loss of lives at the stampede.
"Anguished by the loss of lives in the stampede in Mumbai. Condolences to the bereaved families; prayers with injured — #PresidentKovind" read the tweet from Rahstrapati Bhavan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "My deepest condolences to all those who have lost their lives due to the stampede in Mumbai. Prayers with those who are injured."
"Situation in Mumbai is being continuously monitored. @PiyushGoyal is in Mumbai taking stock of the situation & ensuring all assistance," said Modi.
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