On February 14, a tragic incident occurred in Mulund, Mumbai, where a slab from the girder bridge of the under-construction Metro Rail Line 4 collapsed, leading to the death of one individual and injuries to three others. The collapse took place near the Johnson and Johnson factory on the busy LBS Road around noon, impacting a passing autorickshaw and a Skoda car, both of which sustained significant damage.
The deceased has been identified as Ramdhan Yadav, while the injured include Rajkumar Indrajeet Yadav (45), Mahendra Pratap Yadav (52), and Deepa Ruhiya (40). Reports indicate that Rajkumar is currently in critical condition and receiving treatment in the ICU at a nearby hospital, whereas Mahendra and Deepa are reported to be stable. The incident has raised serious concerns regarding construction safety standards in the city.
- Metro Line 4 construction — this route connects Wadala in south-central Mumbai to Thane, with significant portions elevated over busy roads.
- Investigation underway — the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority is conducting an inquiry into the cause of the collapse.
- Public safety concerns — local leaders, including Congress's Varsha Gaikwad, have criticized the government's focus on infrastructure over citizen safety.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) confirmed that the parapet wall slab collapsed at approximately 12:15 PM near pier 196, close to the Mulund Fire Station. They are currently coordinating with the BMC and disaster management authorities to secure the site and provide necessary relief. The MMRDA has stated that it is committed to investigating the incident thoroughly.
In response to the incident, Congress leader Varsha Gaikwad expressed her outrage, questioning whether the lives of Mumbai residents have become expendable. She highlighted the need for accountability, citing potential lapses in safety measures and a rushed approach to metro construction. Gaikwad emphasized that while development is essential, it should never come at the cost of human lives, calling for strict action against those responsible for this tragic event.
