Shiv Sena slams central government for Mumbai stampede, calls 'public massacre'

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut told media: "The stampede on the foot overbridge at Elphinstone Road railway station is a public massacre of the people by the government."

He also attacked the BJP, its ally partner in Maharashtra, over the recently launched bullet train, and said the safety and security should be given top priority.

In one of the worst tragedies in Mumbai in recent times, at least 22 people died and 32 seriously injured in a rush-hour stampede in a narrow railway bridge between two railway stations after a heavy rain.

The incident occurred in Prabhadevi Railway Station which was earlier known as the Elphinstone Road railway station. The tragedy  struck at around 10.30 am on the bridge connecting Prabhadevi ( Elphinstone Road earlier) station with Parel station.

Several daily commuters died after they were trapped at the railway station and the footbridge as disturbing footage of bodies on the bridge, some against the railing, left everyone shocked.

Reports said some were seen jumping off the bridge to escaped the stampede.

According to a news18 report, Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant  had written to former Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu more than two years ago seeking a new foot overbridge at the Elphinstone Railway station in Mumbai.

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal arrived in Mumbai on Friday afternoon to monitor the situation and rescue operations following the stampede..

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 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 minister 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."