A stampede at Mumbai’s Bandra Terminus in the early hours of the morning left nine people injured as passengers crowded to board the Bandra-Gorakhpur Express train during the Diwali festive rush. The incident highlights the challenges faced by authorities in managing large crowds at railway stations during peak travel times.
Details of the Stampede Incident
The stampede occurred around 2:55 a.m. when Train No. 22921, the Bandra-Gorakhpur Express, pulled into Platform No. 1 at Bandra Terminus. Scheduled to depart at 5:10 a.m., the train experienced a delay, causing an unusually large crowd to gather. Many of the passengers had arrived early, anticipating the festive season rush, which led to significant overcrowding on the platform.
Passengers and Circumstances Leading to the Stampede
The Gorakhpur Express, an unreserved train, typically accommodates a high volume of passengers traveling to Uttar Pradesh, especially during holidays like Diwali. On this occasion, over 1,000 passengers were reportedly present, attempting to board the 22-coach train. As the train approached the platform, some passengers attempted to enter the general compartments even before it had come to a complete stop, which triggered the stampede.
Sources indicated that the train’s rescheduled timing and the lack of an organized boarding process led to the surge. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed that the stampede was caused by overcrowding due to the holiday rush.
Injuries and Medical Response
Following the stampede, nine people were injured, with two individuals sustaining critical injuries. The injured were immediately taken to Bhabha Hospital. The BMC’s Disaster Management Cell reported the medical status of the injured passengers:
- Stable condition: Shabbir Abdul Rehman (40), Parmeshwar Sukhdar Gupta (28), Ravindra Harihar Chuma (30), Ramsevak Ravindra Prasad Prajapati (29), Sanjay Tilakram Kangay (27), Divyanshu Yogendra Yadav (18), Mohammad Shareef Shaikh (25)
- Critical condition: Indrajith Sahani (19), Noor Mohammad Shaikh (18)
In addition to minor injuries, one passenger reportedly suffered a spinal fracture, while several others sustained leg fractures. Visuals from the scene depicted blood on the platform floor as injured passengers were taken away on stretchers by railway police and hospital staff.
Immediate Action and Crowd Control
In response to the incident, approximately 50 police personnel were deployed at the station to assist with crowd management and prevent further escalation. Videos circulating on social media showed railway officers aiding injured passengers, including a clip of an officer carrying a wounded individual over his shoulder.
The BMC assured the public that the situation was swiftly brought under control and that normal operations resumed at the terminus. Two of the injured individuals have since been discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment.
Investigation and Safety Measures
Authorities have launched an investigation to identify the root causes of the stampede and assess safety measures at railway stations during high-traffic periods. Railway officials are examining factors such as train scheduling, crowd control methods, and the potential need for additional support during peak travel seasons to ensure passenger safety.
Growing Need for Safety During Festival Season Travel
With India’s extensive rail network and the increased mobility of people during festivals, railway stations often see a significant rise in passenger volumes. This incident underscores the importance of enhancing crowd management and safety protocols during holidays.