Mumbai: In a tragic turn of events, a stampede at Mumbai’s Bandra Terminus early Sunday morning left nine people injured as a crowd surged to board the Bandra-Gorakhpur Express. The incident occurred around 5:56 a.m. on Platform 1, where commuters had gathered to catch the northbound train amidst heightened travel for Diwali and Chhath Puja. Two individuals suffered critical injuries, while others sustained minor wounds; all injured parties were taken to Bhabha Hospital for treatment.

The stampede reportedly began when passengers eagerly moved towards the train, which was still being maneuvered onto the platform from the yard with its doors locked. Witnesses indicated that passengers fell in the chaos, leading to panic among the crowd. Despite efforts by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and local volunteers to control the situation, some passengers were injured while attempting to squeeze into the locked train. The Railways had stationed additional general compartments on the train due to increased demand, which added to the rush.

Local authorities and rail officials have voiced their concerns over the issue, promising a thorough investigation. A senior official from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) stated, “We are looking into crowd management protocols, especially during peak festive seasons, to ensure that passengers’ safety is not compromised.” Meanwhile, Western Railway officials are conducting an internal review to strengthen safety measures during peak travel times, particularly on major festival days.

This unfortunate event highlights ongoing concerns about crowd control and infrastructure at Mumbai’s busiest railway stations, especially during festive seasons. Safety experts have called for improved crowd management practices, more visible signage, and clearer announcements. This incident comes on the heels of an ongoing demand for better infrastructure at Mumbai stations, where high foot traffic and outdated protocols continue to challenge safety measures.

With the holiday season in full swing, officials have urged travelers to exercise caution and follow crowd control protocols. They have advised passengers to avoid crowding and to wait for clear signals from railway authorities to board trains. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of efficient crowd management, particularly in major cities like Mumbai where festival seasons see a spike in travel across the railway network.