In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded on Monday night, three railway workers lost their lives after being struck by a local train while performing maintenance on railway signals at the Vasai Road station premises. The victims have been identified as Senior Section Engineer Vasu Mitra, Electric Signal Maintainer Somanath Uttam, and Assistant Sachin Wankhede. The accident occurred during the routine railway maintenance work, turning a routine evening into a devastating tragedy.
Following the incident, authorities have stepped in to provide financial assistance to the families affected. Each family is set to receive a support fund of Rs 55,000, as announced by the railway management in a gesture of compassion towards those grieving the loss of their loved ones.
The incident took place during the ongoing railway maintenance activities conducted by the railway staff between Vasai and Nalasopara. After the local train had passed through the area, chaos ensued as the workers realized they were in the path of an oncoming train. In a split second, tragedy struck, claiming the lives of three dedicated railway employees. The Vasai Railway Police promptly reached the scene, conducted a thorough investigation, and documented the tragic event.
Sharing insights into the incident, Police Inspector Sachin Ingwale stated that a detailed report, including the particulars of the casualties, had been compiled. Railway officials and senior authorities rushed to the accident site to assess the situation and offer support. As a part of their response, the railway management has initiated measures to extend financial aid and other assistance to the affected families over the next 15 days.
The families of Senior Section Engineer Vasu Mitra, Electric Signal Maintainer Somanath Uttam, and Assistant Sachin Wankhede are estimated to receive approximately Rs 1.24 crore, Rs 40 lakhs, and Rs 40 lakhs in assistance, respectively. This financial aid aims to alleviate some of the immediate burdens faced by the grieving families during this difficult time.
In the wake of this tragic incident, Western Railways has also issued directives to conduct a thorough investigation. This step emphasizes the importance of ensuring safety measures are in place for railway employees engaged in maintenance activities. The incident has prompted a reevaluation of existing safety protocols to prevent such unfortunate accidents in the future.
As the news of the accident spread, the railway community, as well as the broader public, expressed their condolences and sympathy for the families affected. The railway workers’ union has also urged for a comprehensive review of safety procedures and called for improved safety measures to protect the lives of those working on the tracks.
In conclusion, this unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with railway maintenance work. The loss of three valuable lives has not only left a void in the hearts of their families but has also prompted a collective call for enhanced safety measures within the railway industry. As the affected families begin the challenging journey of healing, the railway community mourns the loss of its dedicated members and remains steadfast in its commitment to preventing such tragedies in the future.
