Mumbai Metro Pillar Collapses, One Dead, Three Hurt

A section of an under-construction Mumbai Metro pillar collapsed on Saturday afternoon, resulting in one fatality and injuries to three others. The incident occurred in the Mulund area of Mumbai, impacting traffic and prompting immediate rescue operations.

Events Unfold on LBS Road

The collapse happened around 12:20 PM on Saturday near the Johnson & Johnson Company on LBS Road in Mulund (West). A portion of a parapet segment from Metro Line-4, an under-construction viaduct, gave way. The falling debris struck a passing autorickshaw and a car, crushing the autorickshaw.

• Immediate Response: Emergency services, including fire brigade personnel, police teams, metro staff, ward officials, and ambulance services, were quickly dispatched to the scene.

• Rescue Efforts: Operations commenced immediately to rescue those affected and clear the debris.

• Traffic Disruption: The busy LBS Road experienced significant traffic disruptions, with vehicles being diverted as authorities secured the area.

Toll and Injuries

• Fatalities: One person died as a result of the collapse.

• Injuries: Three other individuals sustained injuries. Reports indicate the deceased and injured were passengers in the autorickshaw.

Metro Line Context

Metro Line-4 is a significant infrastructure project aimed at connecting Wadala in south-central Mumbai to Thane. The collapse occurred near Pier 196 of this ongoing construction.

Read More: Mumbai Metro Pillar Part Falls, One Person Dies

Officials and Public Reaction

The Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) confirmed the incident, stating that a portion of the parapet segment fell. Officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also issued statements.

• Criticism: Aditya Thackeray, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, voiced concerns over alleged safety lapses at infrastructure sites and questioned the accountability of the contractor. He also suggested a focus on publicity over public safety in infrastructure projects.

Analysis of Structural Failure

The precise cause of the collapse is under investigation. However, initial reports suggest that a parapet segment or a cement slab from the under-construction pillar gave way.

• Evidence of Failure: The significant impact on the autorickshaw and car indicates a substantial structural failure.

• Location Specificity: The collapse occurred near Pier P196, suggesting a localized issue with that specific section of the viaduct.

Safety Concerns and Scrutiny

The incident has raised questions about safety protocols at large-scale infrastructure projects.

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• Contractor Accountability: The possibility of blacklisting the contractor has been raised.

• Oversight: Concerns have been voiced about the adequacy of oversight during the construction process.

Conclusion

The collapse of the Mumbai Metro Line-4 pillar segment is a grave incident resulting in a fatality and multiple injuries. The immediate focus has been on rescue and relief operations, alongside efforts to manage traffic. Investigations into the exact cause of the structural failure are expected to follow, potentially leading to scrutiny of construction practices and safety measures employed by the project's contractors and overseeing bodies.

Sources:

• Times of India: Reports on the collapse, immediate rescue efforts, casualties, and political reactions.

• Link: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/mumbai-metro-under-construction-pillar-collapses-in-mulund-several-injured/articleshow/128339045.cms

• ABP Live: Details the number of injured and the impact on traffic.

• Link: https://news.abplive.com/news/india/mumbai-metro-pillar-collapse-4-injured-after-under-construction-pillar-falls-in-mulund-1827075

• The Telegraph: Provides casualty figures and information on the affected vehicles.

• Link: https://www.telegraph.co.in/india/several-feared-injured-after-portion-of-metro-rail-pillar-collapses-in-mumbais-mulund/cid/2147329

• India Today: Highlights the collapse's impact on vehicles and the number of casualties.

• Link: https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/mumbai/story/mumbai-mulund-metro-pillar-collapse-lbs-autorickshaw-car-injuries-2868193-2026-02-14

• Livemint: Focuses on the number of feared injured and the specific location of the incident.

• Link: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/mumbai-metro-collapse-under-construction-segment-collapses-in-mulund-3-4-persons-feared-injured-11771057416125.html

• News9 Live: Confirms the casualties and the involvement of civic bodies.

• Link: https://www.news9live.com/city/mumbai/under-construction-metro-pillar-collapses-in-mumbai-several-injured-2930745

• Mid-day: Reports on the collapse, casualties, and the specific pier number involved.

• Link: https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-under-construction-metro-pillar-collapses-in-mulund-w-3-4-injured-after-debris-hits-commuters-23616596

• Mathrubhumi: Confirms fatalities and injuries, noting the incident occurred during construction.

• Link: https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/mumbai-metro-pillar-collapse-mulund-injuries-bgfiuhui

Read More: Mumbai Metro Pillar Falls, Injuring People