Nine Injured in Festive Rush Stampede at Mumbai's Bandra Railway Station

A tragic stampede incident took place early morning at Bandra railway station in Mumbai, leaving nine passengers injured as they scrambled to board a train to Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. This incident, occurring amid the bustling Diwali rush, underscored the challenges faced by travelers during peak holiday periods, where large crowds gather at major transit hubs like Bandra station.

Stampede Caused by Rescheduled Train and Festive Crowds

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed that the stampede was triggered by the unusually high volume of passengers converging at the station before Diwali. Train number 22921, a weekly train bound for Gorakhpur, was initially scheduled for an early morning departure but arrived late, intensifying the crowd as passengers awaited at platform 1.

Around 3 a.m., as the train arrived, a rush ensued as passengers tried to board the general compartments, causing a sudden surge that led to the stampede. Visuals from the scene depicted the chaotic moments following the incident, with Railway Police personnel and others attending to the injured and helping them onto stretchers.

Injuries and Rescue Efforts at the Scene

The condition of seven individuals is reported to be stable, while two are in critical condition due to severe injuries. Videos captured a scene of urgency, with some passengers lying on the platform floor, visibly injured and bleeding. One video shows a railway policeman carrying an injured passenger on his shoulder, while others are seen aiding the injured on makeshift stretchers made from large pieces of cloth.

Among the injured, one passenger reportedly suffered a spinal fracture, while others sustained leg fractures. The BMC stated that while two injured individuals have been discharged from the hospital, the remaining passengers are under medical supervision to ensure a safe recovery.

Safety Concerns During Peak Travel Periods

The stampede at Bandra station highlights the risks faced by commuters during high-traffic holiday seasons, especially with limited space on crowded platforms. As festive travel surges, maintaining safety and crowd control at railway stations becomes a critical concern for authorities.

This incident has once again drawn attention to the need for improved crowd management and better infrastructure to support the increasing number of travelers using public transportation in Mumbai during festive seasons.