Elphinstone stampede: WR probe blames rain, gives clean chit to staff
On September 29, atleast 22 people were killed in the rush hour stampede on a narrow overbridge linking Elphinstone Road and Parel stations.
New Delhi: An inquiry report on the September 29 Elphinstone bridge stampede in Mumbai that killed atleast 22 people has blamed heavy rain for the tragedy, officials said on Wednesday.
The panel, headed by the Western Railway chief security officer, submitted its report to WR General Manager, Anil Kumar on Wednesday after recording statements of 30 commuters who were injured.
It has also examined video footage of the incident, officials said.
Read: Elphinstone stampede: Western Railway offered Rs 1.36 crore exgratia to kin of victims
According to the report, the stampede was caused by heavy rains which forced people outside, at the ticket counters, to rush to the already jammed staircase for cover.
It said, the constant flow of passengers arriving at the station compounded the problem.
The report said people with heavy luggage lost their balance because of which the stampede may have occurred.
The probe also said none of the witnesses supported the claim of a short circuit on the bridge leading to the chaos.
Read: 22 dead, 39 injured in stampede at Mumbai’s Elphinstone railway station
On Tuesday, authorities were given a clean chit in the incident, the Chief Security Officer's inquiry report said.
The probe panel has recommended that passengers be prevented from carrying heavy luggage during peak hours.
The movement of commuters, mainly vendors, carrying baskets stuffed with goods during peak hours should also be restricted.
Other recommendations by the panel include relocating the elevated booking office to widen the staircase (the elevated booking office is adjacent to the staircase where the stampede occurred).
An additional staircase can also be provided, the panel has said.
It has suggested that officials use a quick mode of communication apart from mobile phones to ensure timely reaction.
Wireless handsets can be provided to station and security staff, the report said.
On September 29, atleast 22 people were killed in the rush hour stampede on a narrow overbridge linking Elphinstone Road and Parel suburban stations during heavy rain.