Mumbai:
At least 27 people were killed and around 30 were injured in a rush-hour stampede on a foot overbridge (FOB) linking Elphinstone Road and Parel suburban railway stations in Mumbai, civic officials said.
The tragedy took place amid rain in the city around 10.40 am when the FOB was heavily crowded, a police official said.Police suspect a short-circuit with a loud sound near the FOB led to panic and people started running, resulting in the stampede.
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) disaster control room, 22 people were brought dead to the KEM Hospital in Parel. Those injured were taken to various hospitals, he said.
Officials of the railway, police and fire brigade rushed to the site to carry out rescue operations.
The medical teams have also been rushed to spot, and rescue operations are underway. Accident Relief Medical Equipment Train reached & medical assistance being provided.
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the deaths caused by a stampede.
Naidu said he was shocked to learn about the incident. "My deepest condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their dear ones and wish a speedy recovery to the injured", he tweeted.
Prime Minister Modi tweeted " My deepest condolences to all those who have lost their lives due to the stampede in Mumbai. Prayers with those who are injured".
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal ordered a high-level inquiry into a stampede.
