A probe by Central Railway has concluded that a protruding backpack worn by a commuter was the cause of a tragic accident near Mumbra in Thane district on 9 June, which led to the death of five people, officials said, reported the PTI.
Eight passengers were injured from two passing local trains, resulting in five fatalities.
The investigation ruled out any technical fault, sabotage, mischief, or passenger quarrel after examining extensive CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and information shared via social media and public calls, officials said, as per the PTI.
Hours after the accident near Mumbra on June 9, an eyewitness and co-traveller had said that the tragedy was triggered by a bag worn by a commuter on a passing train after it brushed against those hanging on the footboard of another local.
According to the findings, a 30-centimetre-thick backpack worn by a commuter standing on the footboard of the 9th coach (S-11) of a Karjat-bound local from CSMT brushed against a commuter on the footboard of a Kasara-CSMT local (N-10) moving in the opposite direction.
The contact triggered a “domino effect”, causing two passengers from S-11 and six from N-10 to lose balance and fall.
Five passengers died as a result, while others sustained injuries.
As per the report, both trains were running around 72 kmph, within the permissible speed limits, while crossing each other at the site.
The report also highlighted that there was adequate clearance between the two trains, ruling out the possibility of the coaches of the two trains coming into contact with each other or any technical fault or track-related deficiency.
Examination of the two Mumbai local trains, or EMU rakes, at the Kurla carshed showed no defects, though a fresh mark on the body of coach 5341A of N-10 confirmed external impact from a backpack, according to the report, said officials, the PTI reported.
The S-11 train was not overcrowded, as it was non-peak hours, while the CSMT-bound N-10 was heavily packed.
The railway officials stated that no passenger conflict, intentional sabotage, or track fault contributed to the incident.
Following the accident, Central Railway had called on the public and railway employees to come forward with any information to assist with the investigation.
(with PTI inputs)
