Mumbai/Nagpur: The toll in the stampede at Elphinstone Railway Station’s foot-over bridge in Mumbai that took place on Friday morning has mounted to 27. Some reports put the toll at 22. Over 30 people have been injured in the incident. Medical teams have reached the spot. Those injured have been rushed to KEM hospital.
Commuters claim that the foot-over bridge at Elphinstone was narrow and is always crowded during the peak hours. In videos emerging from the incident, people can be seen trying to climb over the railings of the stairway to escape the stampede.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for the next of the kin of deceased, says all medical expenses of the injured will be borne by the Maharashtra Government. The Chief Minister said an enquiry will be conducted by the Maharashtra Government.
Meanwhile, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal reached Mumbai and will be visiting the spot soon. “Just landed in Mumbai. Deeply grieved at tragic loss of innocent lives due to an unfortunate stampede at Elphinstone Road foot over bridge. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured persons,” he tweeted. He also added that a high level enquiry headed by the Chief Safety Officer, Western Railways has been ordered into the mishap. Elphinstone Road foot-over bridge will be expanded on immediate basis, says Railway minister Piyush Goyal after visiting the station.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the situation in Mumbai is being continuously monitored. “Piyush Goyal is in Mumbai taking stock of the situation & ensuring all assistance,” he added.
President Ram Nath Kovind extended his condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives
The helpline numbers are:
KEM hospital: 022-24107000
Western Railway control room: 022 – 23070564, 022-23017379, 022-23635959
Mumbai railway control room: 022-23081725
Traffic helpline WhatsApp no: 8454999999
Churchgate station- 22039840,
Mumbai Central station- 23051665
Elphinstone Road station- 24301614
The tragedy took place amid rain in the city around 10:40 am when the foot over-bridge was heavily crowded.
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray arrived at KEM Hospital. Only nine bodies identified so far, says Dean of KEM Hospital.
