In a distressing incident early Sunday morning, a stampede at Bandra railway station in Mumbai left at least nine people injured. The stampede occurred on platform number one as a large crowd gathered in anticipation of the Bandra-Gorakhpur Express, which was heading towards Uttar Pradesh. This unfortunate event unfolded amid a surge in passenger traffic due to the approaching Diwali festival.
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the situation escalated as passengers attempted to board the train. Reports indicate that seven of the injured individuals are in stable condition, while two others are critically injured. The BMC confirmed that the injured were quickly taken to Bhabha Hospital for medical attention.
Witness accounts describe the chaotic scene, where railway police and fellow passengers rushed to help those who fell during the stampede. Videos from the incident show a railway officer carrying an injured person on his shoulder, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Another clip captured two men on the ground, blood stains visible on their clothing, while one man sat on a bench, visibly in pain with a torn shirt.
The BMC reassured the public that the situation was under control shortly after the incident, and emergency services were deployed to assist the injured. Initial reports from medical personnel confirmed that nine patients arrived at the hospital following the stampede.
The injured individuals have been identified, with ages ranging from 18 to 40. Among them are Shabhir Abdul Rehman, Parmeshwar Sukhdar Gupta, Ravindra Harihar Chuma, Ramsevak Ravindra Prasad Prajapati, Sanjay Tilakram Kangay, Divyanshu Yogendra Yadav, Mohammad Shareef Shaikh, Indrajith Sahani, and Noor Mohammad Shaikh. Indrajith and Noor were reported to be in critical condition, raising concerns about their health.
An official from Indian Railways indicated that a total of ten individuals sustained injuries, and two of them have since been discharged from the hospital. The Railway Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) attributed the stampede to the rescheduling of the train, which may have contributed to the confusion among passengers.
The railway spokesperson further explained that passengers attempted to board the moving train. The Bandra-Gorakhpur Express consists of 22 general bogies, with no reserved seating available. When the train arrived at the platform, the large crowd surged forward, eager to secure their spots, leading to the unfortunate stampede.
This incident raises significant concerns regarding crowd management at railway stations, especially during peak travel times like Diwali. The necessity for effective crowd control measures is evident, as such situations can escalate quickly, putting passengers at risk.
As authorities investigate the causes behind the stampede, it serves as a reminder of the need for enhanced safety protocols in crowded environments. Ensuring the well-being of passengers must remain a priority, especially during festive seasons when travel demand is at its highest.
The BMC and Indian Railways have expressed their commitment to improving safety measures at stations to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on the recovery of those injured and the reassurance of the travelling public.
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