A 16-year-old died at Kanjurmarg after being hit by a fast train, while he was crossing tracks. Deceased and his friend were heading home after visiting a shopping mall
Despite numerous advertisements, constant announcements and improved facilities to dissuade commuters from trespassing and losing their lives on railway tracks, cases of such deaths have not abated. In the latest such incident, a 16-year-old died at Kanjurmarg after being hit by train, while he was crossing tracks at the station.
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A wall has been built next to the platform, but a small portion is still open and is covered with a metal sheet. Construction workers use this for the ongoing work. Pic/Sameer Markande
The deceased, Omkar Chougule and his friend Sumit Ahire (16) were heading home after visiting a shopping mall in Kanjurmarg (west). Normally, they would use the foot over bridge (FOB) at the station premises. But, they decided to have a cold drink from the food stall on the platform before heading home.
Omkar Chougule
Decided to cross tracks
Speaking to mid-day, a visibly shaken Sumit said, “We finished our drink and that’s when Omkar saw an open portion on the side retaining wall and decided to cross tracks instead of taking the FOB. After the train left platform 2, he jumped on the tracks from where the fast trains run. I saw a fast train coming and called out to him, asking him to stop and return but in no time, the train knocked him down.”
Meanwhile, the railway police and other commuters immediately rushed to the spot and also called for an ambulance. “I could hear him say my name out of pain while he was being taken in the ambulance. I rushed home to get his parents,” Sumit added. Both of them had given their 10th standard examinations and were awaiting results.
Severe head injuries
Doctors claimed Omkar was brought dead. “The victim was brought dead to the hospital. We could see a fractured jaw and severe head injuries,” said a doctor from the Rajawadi Hospital. Omkar’s body was handed over to his family.
“I had sent him to exchange a plastic bottle that we had purchased only a day back. That was the last time I saw him,” said a weeping Ashiya Chougule, Omkar’s mother. His friends said they had called him to play cricket, while he was leaving for the mall, and had he stayed back, happened then nothing of this sort would have occurred.
Railways say
Sources said that a wall has been built next to the platform, but a small portion is still open and is covered with a metal sheet. Construction workers use it to transfer materials for the pending work at the station premises. Railway officials claim that they are trying to plug the spaces wherever trespassing occurs, but then it is also the job of the common man to understand that trespassing could claim his life.
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