5 feared dead after passengers fall from overcrowded train near Mumbai; local services affected

At least five passengers were killed and several others injured after falling from a moving train at Mumbra railway station in Thane district on Monday morning, according to multiple media reports.

The incident occurred when some passengers reportedly fell from a train heading towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).

The exact cause of the mishap is yet to be ascertained, though preliminary information suggests that excessive crowding may have led to the accident, officials said.

"Some passengers travelling towards CSMT fell from a train near Mumbra station. Railway administration and police have reached the spot. The injured are being taken immediately to the nearest hospital," Central Railway said in a statement.

Central Railway CPRO Swapnil Neela said that eight people travelling on the footboard of a local train fell on the track.

He assured that the new trains will have automatic door closure facility soon to avert such incidents.

"The incident that has happened, the guard of the train plying between CSMT and Kasara informed us, eight people had fallen on track, ambulance was arranged by Railway to send them to hospital, it reached around 9:50 am, these people were travelling on footboard of the local train. Now, new trains that are coming, will have automatic door closure facility, to avert such incidents," the official told reporters.

An investigation has been launched into the incident. Local train services on the Central Railway line were affected following the mishap, railway officials added.

Further details are awaited.