Overcrowding leads to a deadly train accident in Thane, prompting an official inquiry as authorities grapple with commuter safety concerns.
Thane – On June 9, 2025, a tragic accident claimed the lives of four passengers, including a Government Railway Police (GRP) constable, and injured six others when they fell from an overcrowded local train between Diva and Kopar stations during the morning rush hour. Railway officials suggest the incident occurred when commuters hanging from the footboards of two passing trains collided due to severe overcrowding, though a detailed investigation is underway.
Fatal Collision and Immediate Response
The Kasara-bound train was packed beyond capacity, forcing passengers to cling to footboards, a common yet perilous practice during peak hours. Authorities report that at least 12 commuters fell, with the guard alerting railway officials around 9:30 am. By 9:50 am, the injured were rushed to Shivaji Hospital and Thane General Hospital, where four—Ketan Saroj, Rahul Gupta, Mayur Shah, and GRP constable Vicky Mukhyad—were declared dead on arrival. The injured, comprising four men and two women, are under treatment.
Leadership Reactions and Inquiry
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the incident “very unfortunate” and ordered a railway administration probe, while Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed grief, promising support and prioritizing life-saving measures. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar highlighted the urgent need to tackle overcrowding and enhance safety. Swapnil Nila, Central Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer, clarified the incident involved a local train, not the Pushpak Express, and noted a passenger’s account of a collision between footboard travelers.
Calls for Accountability
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske demanded a thorough investigation, questioning whether overcrowding, a push, or a fight triggered the tragedy. Opposition leader Ambadas Danve echoed concerns about railway safety, urging accountability. Om Prakash Sharma of the Thane District Railway Users Association slammed authorities for ignoring repeated warnings about overcrowding, a persistent issue straining Mumbai’s suburban rail system.
Future Measures and Support
Fadnavis and Shinde announced a high-level committee to probe the cause and ensure accountability, with financial aid pledged to the deceased’s families. The incident has reignited debates on commuter safety, with experts suggesting automatic door closures and additional services as potential solutions to prevent future tragedies.