Pipeline collapses on train in Thane; 2 dead,11 hurt

As the bridge collapsed,it also took along a parallel water pipeline which was supported by a steel enforcement. The support gave away due to the impact of bridge collapse and the pipeline also fell on the train.

The pipeline as well as the bridge debris fell on the front coaches of the Kalyan-bound train,officials added. The deceased were identified as R Ramachandra and Subhash Nikam,a motorman and a passenger respectively.

Rail services between Kurla and Thane were disrupted due to the incident,inconveniencing commuters.

Railways has announced a compensation of Rs five lakh for the next of the kin of those killed. Those with grievous injuries would get Rs one lakh while Rs 10,000 would be given to commuters who sustained minor injuries,S Mutgerikar,Chief Public Relation Officer of Central Railway,said.

Two injured are in critical condition,officials said,adding that rescue operations were on and it would take at least 30 hours to restore the train services between Ghatkopar and Thane.

Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST),Mumbai’s public transport authority,has been asked to ply additional buses between Ghatkopar and Thane for the convenience of the people.

Train services between Thane-Kalyan and Thane-Vashi were restored,the officials said,adding that trains between CST and Ghatkopar were also running on time.

K D Lala,city engineer of Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC),said six months ago they had informed the railway authorities that the structure could weaken if allowed to languish without further construction.

“But the railway officials were adamant and did not co-operate with us to complete the work,” he alleged. Thane MLA Eknath Shinde said that the construction of bridge was pending since 2002 as the railways were not co-operating with the TMC.

“The matter of construction of the bridge was brought to the notice of the then Railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav,who assured that the railways would co-operate,” said Anand Paranjpee,Thane MP. Nandakumar Jantre,Commissioner of Thane Municipal Corporation,said investigations were on and those responsible for poor maintenance of the bridge will not be spared.

He also said that they will conduct investigations to ascertain the cause for the bridge collapse.