### **Background of the Incident**
On the morning of **June 9, 2025**, around **9:10 to 9:30 AM**, a horrific incident occurred near **Mumbra station** in the Thane-Mumbai region. Two speeding local trains passed each other on opposite tracks when **13 passengers** fell off due to a sudden jolt near the curved section of the tracks. Among them, **four passengers died on the spot**, and several others were seriously injured.
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### **Terrifying Experience of Co-passengers**
Eyewitness **Deepak Shirsat (22)** recounted that one of his friends suddenly slipped and fell:
> "People were packed so tightly that their bodies were shaking. We pulled the emergency chain, but the train didn't stop. We had to help carry the injured in a private tempo van to the hospital ourselves. Many had pulled the chain, but no one’s life could be saved."
This paints a grim picture – overcrowded locals, sudden jolts, and trains that don’t stop even in emergencies.
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### **What Caused the Accident? Curve and Sudden Impact?**
As per railway logs, both trains were passing through a **sharp curve near Mumbra station**. Due to the overcrowding and narrow spacing, passengers hanging near the doors likely collided with parts of the other train or railings. A slight jolt turned deadly.
Local residents pointed out that trains passing at high speeds around this curve have always been dangerous, especially for passengers standing on footboards.
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### **Casualties and Injured Passengers**
The following passengers lost their lives:
* **Ketan Saroj (23)**, who was traveling from Ulhasnagar for work
* **Vicky Mukiyadal**, **Rahul Gupta**, and **Mayur Shah** – residents of Thane, Diva, and Ulhasnagar
The injured include **Ruraha Donde**, **Adesh Bhoir**, **Shiva Gavli**, and others who are currently undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals.
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### **Railway Authority’s Response**
Following the accident, **RPF, GRPF**, and local police were immediately deployed to secure the site and manage the situation. Two parallel tracks were inspected for safety concerns.
There was public outrage due to the **delayed arrival of ambulances**, with many questioning the **railway’s lack of preparedness**. Railway spokesperson **Dilip Kumar** stated:
> "We are considering fitting new automatic door-locking systems on all local trains to prevent open-door travel and ensure safety."
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### **Public and Political Reactions**
Chief Minister **Devendra Fadnavis** called the incident “very unfortunate” and announced **₹5 lakh compensation for the deceased** and **free treatment for the injured**.
An **old video of Raj Thackeray** went viral in which he had warned about such dangers in overcrowded locals – “An accident is bound to happen one day.” Opposition parties demanded the **resignation of the Railway Minister**, accusing the system of complete failure.
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### **Railway’s Promised Improvements**
Post-accident, the railway has initiated several corrective measures:
* **Automatic door-locking systems** to prevent people from standing in open doorways
* **Track curve engineering assessments** to reduce jolt intensity
* **Increase in the number of slow/AC locals** to reduce congestion during peak hours
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### **What We Learn from This**
1.
**Overcrowding forces people to stand at the door**, and even a minor jolt on curves can cause fatal falls.2. **Emergency mechanisms like chain pulling are ineffective**, as the train didn’t stop in time.
3. **There is an urgent need for better safety infrastructure**, like sealed doors and faster response systems.
4. **Policy-level changes in railway safety regulation** are long overdue to prevent repeat incidents.
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### **Conclusion**
This tragic Mumbra accident is a brutal reminder of the **fragile safety conditions in Mumbai’s local trains**. There is a pressing need to upgrade not just **infrastructure** but also **emergency responsiveness and passenger behavior**.
Only through strict reforms, modern technology, and public awareness can we ensure that our lifeline – the Mumbai local – doesn’t become a reason for loss of life aga in.
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