An eyewitness reported that this was not the first incident at this precise location.“This is an accident‑prone spot where commuters frequently fall. There is a sharp curve where trains traveling in opposite directions come very close. Overcrowded passengers inevitably brush against each other,” said the commuter.“If the train picks up speed, more people could be seriously injured or killed. Also, due to overcrowding, the train tilts on this narrow curve, which worsens the hazard. Despite several complaints to the railway authorities, no action has been taken.”According to a Central Railway press release, around eight passengers fell from a suburban local train between Diva and Mumbra stations at approximately 09:10 hrs on Monday. The incident was first reported by the Train Manager of a Kasara–CSMT local.“Emergency response teams, including ambulances and railway medical staff, were immediately dispatched,” the release stated.“Injured passengers were taken to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalva and Civil Hospital in Thane for medical attention.”Unfortunately, four individuals lost their lives, and several others are still receiving treatment. “Central Railway deeply mourns the loss of lives and extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased,” the note added.Preliminary railway inquiry indicates that the victims were traveling on the footboard. As a preventative measure, new trains will now be air‑conditioned and equipped with automatic door‑closure systems. Additionally, the Railway Board has decided to retrofit all existing suburban trains with similar door‑closure mechanisms.Preliminary investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances that led to this tragedy. Nevertheless, train operations along the section have not been disrupted.Dilip Kumar, Executive Director for Information and Publicity at the Railway Board, stated that following this tragedy, the Ministry has mandated automatic door‑closure systems in all new local train rakes manufactured for the Mumbai suburban network.“All existing rakes in service will be redesigned and fitted with door‑closure facilities,” he added.
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