An inquiry report on the September 29 Elphinstone bridge stampede in Mumbai that killed 23 people has blamed heavy rain for the tragedy, officials said today
An inquiry report on the September 29 Elphinstone bridge stampede in Mumbai that killed 23 people has blamed heavy rain for the tragedy, officials said today.
ADVERTISEMENT
Locals climb on to the narrow foot over-bridge at Elphinstone this morning during rush hour to rescue injured commuters wedged in the railing
The panel, headed by the Western Railway chief security officer, submitted its report to WR General Manager Anil Kumar today after recording statements of 30 commuters who were injured.
It has also examined video footage of the incident, officials said. According to the report, the stampede was caused by heavy rains which forced people outside at the ticket counters to rush to the already jammed staircase for cover. It said the constant flow of passengers arriving at the station compounded the problem.
The report said people with heavy luggage lost their balance because of which the stampede may have occurred. The probe also said none of the witnesses supported the claim of a short circuit on the bridge leading to the chaos. The probe panel has recommended that passengers be prevented from carrying heavy luggage during peak hours. The movement of commuters, mainly vendors, carrying baskets stuffed with goods during peak hours should also be
restricted. Other recommendations by the panel include relocating the elevated booking office to widen the staircase (the elevated booking office is adjacent to the staircase where the stampede occurred).
An additional staircase can also be provided, the panel has said. It has suggested that officials use a quick mode of communication apart from mobile phones to ensure timely reaction. Wireless handsets can be provided to station and security staff, the report said. On September 29, 23 people were killed in the rush hour stampede on a narrow overbridge linking Elphinstone Road and Parel suburban stations during heavy rain.
Full coverage on Mumbai stampede
Mumbai Stampede Latest: 27 Dead At Elphinstone Railway Station, Casualties May Rise
Mumbai Stampede: Eyewitness Say That There Was No Help When Elphinstone Tragedy Occurred
Elphinstone Station Stampede: KEM Hospital Releases List Of Dead
Rains, Loud Thud And Thousands On 6-8-Ft Overbridge: Witnesses Tell Story Of Elphinstone Stampede
Mumbai Stampede: Prominent Mumbaikars Shocked, Express Grief
Mumbai Stampede: Angry Netizens Blame Railways, Government For Elphinstone Disaster
Mumbai Stampede: PM Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind Offer Condolences
View Photos: Mumbai: Gruesome photos of the Elphinstone station stampede
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
