The Azad Maidan police on Friday initiated investigations into the Himalaya foot overbridge collapse near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), which claimed six lives and left 31 injured on Thursday evening.

An FIR of causing death due to negligence, causing injury and endangering life or personal safety of others under the Indian Penal Code was registered early on Friday. While the FIR was earlier registered against “concerned railway and civic officials”, the police expanded it to include “any individuals and institutions concerned with the maintenance of the bridge” on Friday afternoon.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone I) Abhishek Trimukhe said, “We have sought all related documents regarding the bridge from the authorities concerned. This includes any and all audit reports conducted by private agencies, documents related to any repair or renovation work that the bridge might have undergone over the years and any repairs that were recommended.”

Mr. Trimukhe said the police investigation would be independent of any action taken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and would focus on ascertaining responsibility for the collapse. “No specific person or party had been named in the FIR as yet,” he said.

Meanwhile, experts from the Forensic Sciences Laboratory in Kalina collected samples from the site, which will be tested for construction quality and other parameters.

Recording statements

The police will also record statements of the injured, eyewitnesses and civilians who assisted with the rescue work. Inquiries will also be made with stall owners and shopkeepers in the area, sources said.

“Based on the documents provided by the BMC and Central Railway, we will conduct inquiries with officials and contractors connected to the bridge’s maintenance. We will seek the help of independent experts wherever needed,” an officer said.