Mumbai pipeline crash: Two killed; train services crippled

Two persons died and 11 others were injured when a portion of a water pipeline bridge collapsed on a local train on the suburban Mulund-Thane route on Friday, police said.

The mishap took place when a part of the under-construction Kopri water pipeline bridge fell on a Kalyan-bound train at approximately 10.30 am, they said.

One person died in the incident while three injured victims are in a critical condition and have been admitted to a nearby hospital, police said.

Train services on the Central line were disrupted due to the incident. Rail traffic between Kurla and Thane stations came to a complete halt, inconveniencing thousands of commuters.

Police, fire brigade officials and rail personnel have reached the spot to take stock of the situation and rescue operations are going on.

Thane Municipal Corporation Commissioner Nandakumar Jantre said they will conduct an investigation to ascertain the cause of the bridge collapse.

Those responsible for the poor maintenance of the water pipeline bridge will not be spared," he said. "Our priority is now to carry out rescue operations and remove the debris from the incident site. I appeal to the people to cooperate with us and not panic," Jantre said.

Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced compensation packages for those affected in the mishap.

The compensation announced includes Rs five lakh for the next of kin of the dead, one lakh for the seriously injured and Rs 10,000 for people with minor injuries.

Senior officials are monitoring the situation, Railway Ministry officials said.