One year on, Mumbra railway tragedy victims continue to battle trauma and loss

Thane: A year after the June 9 railway tragedy at Mumbra station that claimed five lives and injured several commuters, the scars remain raw for survivors and bereaved families, who said rebuilding lives has been an uphill battle as they continue to grapple with physical disabilities, psychological trauma, job losses and mounting medical expenses. For families who lost loved ones, the void remains impossible to fill.

Among them is 24-year-old accountant Shiva Gawli from Shil, who was forced to quit his job in Mumbai after serious injuries to his head and limbs forced him to spend nearly 1.5 months in the hospital and still continue follow-up treatments.

“His right hand has not regained full functionality, making travel and work difficult. He has approached several companies, but many are reluctant to hire him. Despite assurances, no financial assistance from politicians or govt has materialised till now, forcing us to spend from our pockets for no fault of his,” a relative said.

For former loader Rehan Shaikh from Bhiwandi, the financial fallout has been severe as he draws barely 40% of his earlier income due to his handicap. “I was out of work for nearly three months while rent, ration and household bills piled on. I am still repaying debts incurred during that period,” he told TOI.

For daily wage labourer Manish Saroj from Diva, the psychological impact lingers. “I was out of work for four months. Even today, I avoid crowded trains and leave home early. Every time my train passes Mumbra, the horror of that day comes rushing back,” he said.

Meanwhile, even as the railway police investigation is yet to reach a conclusion and independent findings by Central Railway experts present differing accounts, Diva-based activist Ananda Patil pointed out that commuters continue to travel in overcrowded and unsafe conditions. “Many assurances made after the tragedy remain unfulfilled.”