At least six people have been killed and 36 others have been injured as a foot overbridge at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station collapsed on Thursday evening.
Five deceased have been identified as Appurva Prabhu, Ranjana Tambe, Jahid Khan, Sarika Kulkarni, Tapendra Singh and Mohan Kaigude.
"The bridge collapsed with a loud noise. There were two women under the bridge, one of them also had a baby with her. There were a female street hawker and a hospital employee at the time of the collapse," Rajesh Rahulkar, an eyewitness told media.
The rescue and relief teams have removed the debris and all the injured have been transported to St George Hospital nearby.
Also read | Story of negligence: CST Bridge collapse third such tragedy in Mumbai in past two years
Mumbai Traffic Police issues advisory:
TRAFFIC ADVISORY
In view of the collapse of the Times of India FOB, traffic is being closed on both bounds between CST junction and JJ Flyover.
Commuters are advised to use the Mahapalika Marg from CST to Metro Junction and ahead towards Princess Street Flyover/ Crawford Market/ Chakala and Mohammed Ali Road.
Commuters coming from JJ Flyover may take a right turn towards Crawford Market/ Metro Junction/ CST and ahead or take a left turn at Nesbit junction and move further to PD mellow road/Avatar Singh bedi chowk to CST/ lion Gate, Regal junction and further.
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Probe ordered
Maharashtra minister Vinod Tawde informed media that the bridge had been identified for minor repairs in a safety audit, for which work was underway. However, why the structure was not closed off until the due repair is a matter of investigation and BMC and railways will look into it, the minister said.
He further informed that the state government will pay the medical expenses of those injured will be bridge collapse.
The Maharashtra government has ordered high level enquiry into foot overbridge collapse incident and announced Rs 5 lakh for the next of the kins of deceased and ₹50,000 to the injured and their medical expenses will be borne by GoM.
Also read | Mumbai Bridge Collapse: Deeply anguished by the loss of lives, says PM Modi
Prime MInister Narendra Modi and othe rpolitical leader expressed anguish over the incident:
"Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to the foot overbridge accident in Mumbai. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Wishing that the injured recover at the earliest. The Maharashtra Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected," the prime minister said on social media.
Reacting to the tragedy, Maharashtra CM Devender Fadnavis said that he was pained to hear about the incident.
"Pained to hear about the FOB incident near TOI building in Mumbai. Spoke to BMC Commissioner and @MumbaiPolice officials and instructed to ensure speedy relief efforts in coordination with @RailMinIndia officials," the CM said on Twitter.
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal also expressed his sincere condolences to the family of the victims in Mumbai Bridge Collapse. Railway doctors and personnel are cooperating with BMC in relief and rescue operations, he said on Twitter.
The incident took place at around 07:20 pm, which a peak hour for commuters to use the bridge to reach the station, while thousands of others were passing under the bridge. The incident has brought the parts of the metropolis to a standstill as long traffic jams are being reported from the area.
Also read | CST foot overbridge collapse: Mumbai relives horror of Elphinstone stampede
According to eyewitnesses, the foot overbridge was at least 30 to 40-year-old and was neglected by the authorities. The bridge connected CSMT platform 1 north end with BT Lane - a busy intersection. Several cars were passing under the bridge when it collapsed. The accident has caused long traffic jams at all connecting roads in Mumbai.
Commuters have been asked to use alternate routes during the operation.
Concerned about the well-being of people who have suffered injuries due to the collapse of a foot overbridge near #CST railway station in #Mumbai.. I pray for their speedy recovery, Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot tweeted.
According to India TV sources, the overbridge was among the structures identified for repair in an audit ordered after the Elphinstone stampede in 2017. However, the audit recommended minor repairs in the bridge, sources said.
Ministry of Railways on part of foot overbridge in Mumbai collapse incident: The bridge was of BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation). However, we are extending all our support to the victims. Railway doctors & personnel are cooperating with BMC in relief and rescue operations.
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