10 injured as 2 trains collide at Andheri station

At least 10 commuters were injured after two coaches of a Borivli-bound fast train collided with a Churchgate-bound fast train between Andheri and Jogeshwari stations on Saturday night.

At least 10 commuters were injured after two coaches of a Borivli-bound fast train collided with a Churchgate-bound fast train between Andheri and Jogeshwari stations on Saturday night.

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The incident took place around 11.10 pm, seconds after the Borivli-bound train left platform 4 of Andheri station and halted midway reportedly owing to brake failure. It was at this time that the approaching Churchgate-bound local was crossing over from the fast line to the slow line and hit the buffer of the stalled train. The Churchgate-bound train was supposed to halt at Andheri station on platform 3.

“The collision caused the derailment. No casualties were reported. We are investigating the matter,” said Nitin David, public relations officer, western railway.

The Government Railway Police (GRP) said at least 10 commuters were injured. The incident threw the suburban railway services out of gear, hitting homebound commuters hard, even as parts of northern Mumbai were lashed by rain.

“The train usually halts at the platform for not more than two minutes. But, the Borivli-bound fast train waited for four minutes before heading out of the platform,” said a passenger on board the local. “Seconds after the train left for Jogeshwari station, the train halted again. Suddenly, we heard a loud sound and felt a heavy jerk,” he said.

Eyewitnesses said commuters on board the local helped in the initial rescue operations, assisting women and children back to Andheri station for first aid. As a sign of protest, the commuters pelted the two trains with stones.