Five die in 24 hours on Vasai-Virar rail route, four in accidents and one of natural causes

Five people died within just 24 hours on the Vasai-Virar rail route. The successive incidents have caused alarm across the area. According to available information, four of the five died in rail accidents, while one man died of natural causes. The deaths have once again brought the question of commuter safety to the fore.

The sequence began at about 6 pm on November 11, when a 35-year-old man was found dead at Virar railway station. Preliminary information suggests he died of natural causes. His is the only one of the five deaths reported to be from natural causes.

The same day, at 10.45 pm, a 65-year-old man was crossing the tracks between Vasai and Nalasopara stations when a train hit him, and he died in the accident. Around 11 pm, Sanjay Rai (30) fell from a train in the same area and died.

The next day, November 12, at 8.40 am, a 61-year-old man was hit by a train between Vaitarna and Virar. He died in the accident. At 10.30 am, Dilip Mishra (36) died after falling from a moving train near Vasai railway station.

The number of passengers travelling towards Mumbai from Virar, Nalasopara, Vasai and Naigaon stations has risen considerably in recent years. Because of the crowding, many commuters have to travel hanging from the doors of local trains. Hurried crossing of the tracks has also added to the number of accidents.

Following the five deaths, the question of passenger safety on the Vasai-Virar route has again become serious. The railway administration is being asked to take firm steps to prevent accidents.