The incident occurred around 8.25 pm when the 6.28 pm CSMT–Kasara local, running 10 to 15 minutes late, was approaching Platform No 4. Tukaram Devram Jadhav, 54, and Balu Hanumant Jadhav, 50, both employed at a plastic company in Atgaon MIDC, had boarded the train from Atgaon as part of their regular commute
Railway staff clearing debris and trimming trees at the accident site near Kasara. Pic/Shrikant Khuperkar
In a close call that could have ended in tragedy, two daily commuters were injured after a tree, along with mud and stones, fell beside a moving local train near Kasara station on Tuesday evening.
The incident occurred around 8.25 pm when the 6.28 pm CSMT–Kasara local, running 10 to 15 minutes late, was approaching Platform No 4. Tukaram Devram Jadhav, 54, and Balu Hanumant Jadhav, 50, both employed at a plastic company in Atgaon MIDC, had boarded the train from Atgaon as part of their regular commute.
As the train neared pole number 120, the two men were standing near the door, preparing to alight. Suddenly, a tree and debris, including mud and rocks, slid down from an adjacent slope and struck their legs. “Had we not stepped slightly inside, the tree would have hit our heads,” said Tukaram.
The two were in the third coach from the CSMT end. Both suffered injuries to their feet. Balu’s toe was injured, and Tukaram required five stitches. Alert co-passengers informed the GRP and RPF, who rushed to the spot and shifted the duo to the Primary Health Centre in Kasara. Both also sustained blunt trauma.
Tukaram Devram Jadhav, tending to the stitches on his injured foot after the treefall incident. Pic/Shrikant Khuperkar
This correspondent visited the injured commuters at their home, where they recounted their ordeal. “It was raining heavily. We boarded the train like every day, unaware such a mishap awaited us,” they said. They have informed their employer and plan to approach the Railways for compensation after recovery.
At the site, railway staff were seen clearing debris and cutting down dangerous trees. “Once the slope is cleared, fencing will be installed to prevent such incidents,” said a site official.
This section is prone to landslides during the monsoon, and most suburban locals to Platform No. 4 pass through this stretch. No traffic block was reported. While work is ongoing on one side, all suburban trains to and from Kasara continue to run through the area. As a safety measure, trains are now passing the affected section at reduced speeds.
Balu Hanumant Jadhav shows his injured toe, which was cut by falling debris near Kasara station. Pic/Shrikant Khuperkar
RPF in-charge at Kasara, Bhushan Kumar, said, “The Kalyan GRP will file a report, which we will forward to the Railway Claims Tribunal for further action.” Kasara Station Manager Charan Sinh declined to comment, advising queries be directed to senior officials at CSMT.
Meanwhile, Shailesh Raut, president of the Kalyan–Kasara Passengers’ Association, visited the injured commuters. “This may seem like a small incident, but it’s serious. Once they recover, we will meet senior officials at CSMT and demand action,” Raut said, adding that he will revisit the site to inspect the safety measures being undertaken.
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