20-Year-Old Woman Loses Legs in Tragic Fall at CBD Belapur Railway Station
In a heart-wrenching incident on Monday morning, a 20-year-old woman named Rohini Rajesh Bote lost her legs after falling onto the railway tracks at CBD Belapur Railway Station. This tragic event has brought to light the urgent need for increased safety measures and awareness at railway stations to prevent such accidents.
The Incident
Rohini Rajesh Bote, a resident of Taloja and a housemaid by profession, was waiting on platform number 3 at CBD Belapur Railway Station. It was a typical morning, with heavy rains lashing Navi Mumbai, which possibly contributed to the accident. Bote, who usually takes a bus home, opted for a train ride to Kharghar due to the inclement weather. However, as she waited for the Panvel-Thane train, she suddenly felt dizzy and fell off the platform just as the train approached.
Immediate Response and Rescue
Despite the motorman’s attempt to apply brakes, one coach of the train ran over Bote before it could come to a complete stop. Two alert Railway Police Force (RPF) personnel quickly responded to the scene. The motorman reversed the train slightly, allowing the RPF officers to pull Bote out from beneath the train. Unfortunately, both her legs were severely injured in the accident.
Bote was immediately rushed to MGM Hospital in CBD Belapur, where she received emergency medical treatment. According to police inspector Pravin Padvi from the Panvel Government Railway Police (GRP), Bote stated that she suddenly felt dizzy and lost her balance, leading to the fall.
Eyewitness Accounts and Police Investigation
Witnesses and the police are puzzled by Bote’s presence on platform number 3, which is typically reserved for the Panvel-Thane train, while she intended to travel to Kharghar. This discrepancy has raised questions about the circumstances leading to the accident. Although CCTV footage captured the incident, the visibility was poor, making it difficult to ascertain whether Bote’s fall was accidental or intentional.
A RPF official from CBD Belapur Railway Station remarked, “The moment we got to know of the incident, our priority was to save the lady and take her to the hospital. The further procedures were done by GRP.”
Bote’s Background and Routine
Bote works as a housemaid in the CBD Belapur area. On the day of the accident, she was returning home after completing her work. Given the heavy rains, she decided to take a train to Kharghar, planning to switch to a shared auto rickshaw from there to reach her home in Taloja. This deviation from her usual bus route was likely influenced by the adverse weather conditions.
Need for Enhanced Safety Measures
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures at railway stations. While the quick response by the RPF and the motorman’s actions helped save Bote’s life, the accident highlights the vulnerabilities faced by commuters, especially during adverse weather conditions.
Recommendations for Commuter Safety
To prevent similar incidents in the future, several measures can be implemented:
- Increased Surveillance: Enhanced CCTV coverage with better resolution can help in monitoring and quickly responding to emergencies.
- Safety Railings: Installing safety railings along the edges of platforms can prevent accidental falls.
- Awareness Campaigns: Regular safety awareness campaigns can educate commuters on the importance of staying behind the safety line, especially during the arrival and departure of trains.
- Medical Facilities: Railway stations should be equipped with basic medical facilities and first aid kits to provide immediate assistance in case of accidents.
- Training for Railway Staff: Continuous training for railway staff and RPF personnel on emergency response can ensure prompt and effective action during accidents.
Conclusion
The incident at CBD Belapur Railway Station serves as a stark reminder of the dangers present at railway stations and the critical need for robust safety measures. While the bravery and prompt action of the RPF and railway staff are commendable, preventing such accidents through proactive measures should be a priority. As Rohini Rajesh Bote recovers from her injuries, her story should catalyze changes that ensure the safety and security of all railway commuters.