22 dead and 32 injured in rain-hit Mumbai rush hour stampede in rail station
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."
Just landed in Mumbai. Deeply grieved at tragic loss of innocent lives due to an unfortunate stampede at Elphinstone Road foot over bridge.
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) September 29, 2017
"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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