PM Narendra Modi on Elphinstone Road station stampede: Situation in Mumbai being monitored; prayers with those injured

Elphinstone Road station stampede: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on the loss of lives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed his condolences after at least 22 people were killed and 37 others were injured in a stampede at Elphinstone Road Railway station. In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said that his prayers are those with who were injured in the incident. “My deepest condolences to all those who have lost their lives due to the stampede in Mumbai. Prayers with those who are injured,” he said. The PM further added that Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal has reached Mumbai to take a stock of the situation. “Situation in Mumbai is being continuously monitored. @PiyushGoyal is in Mumbai taking stock of the situation & ensuring all assistance,” he said.

At least 22 people were killed in a rush hour stampede on a foot overbridge linking Elphinstone Road and Parel Suburban railway stations in Mumbai. The incident occurred at around 11 am when the bridge was heavily crowded, police officials said. According to Additional Commissioner of Police, Central Region, S Jayakumar, the stampede was a result of rain and overcrowding at the railway station.

Piyush Goyal, who reached Mumbai to take a stock of the situation, in a tweet, said that he has ordered a high level enquiry into the incident. “Have ordered a high level enquiry headed by the Chief Safety Officer, Western Railways,” he said. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis also expressed his condolences at the tragedy. “Saddened and shocked to know about the tragic stampede at #Elphinstone railway station, foot over bridge. #Mumbai. My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones and got affected. #Elphinstone,” Fadnavis wrote on Twitter. He also spoke to Chief Secretary and Mumbai Commissioner of Police. He further went on to announce Rs 5 lakh compensatin for the victims.