Mumbai Local Train Horror: Devoted Father And Architect’s Life Cut Short By Monsoon Rains

An architect from Kalyan, Afsal Shaikh, tragically lost his life on Monday evening while attempting to board an express train amid severe monsoon disruptions. The incident underscores the dangers faced by commuters during Mumbai's monsoon season.

Shaikh, 42, lived in Kalyan with his wife and three children. He was unable to board his usual train at Thane station due to the chaotic conditions caused by heavy rains. In a desperate bid to return home, he tried to catch an express train but fell onto the tracks and sustained fatal injuries.

Mumbai Monsoon Chaos

A Thane Government Railway Police officer detailed the tragic event: "He was boarding an express train when he failed to grab hold of it, slipped from the platform onto the tracks, and was crushed by the train. The incident occurred around 9 pm. He was taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead during treatment."

Family's Loss

Family members disclosed that Shaikh initially attempted to board a local train but couldn't due to overcrowding. Despite warnings from his family about the adverse weather, Shaikh's dedication to his work led him to take risks. His brother, Parvej Shaikh, expressed their grief: "We received a call from police officials around 9.30 pm informing us about my brother's accident. We rushed to Kalwa Hospital where he was admitted, but sadly, he passed away during treatment."

Parvej added, "Due to heavy rain, there were significant train disruptions, and he opted to board a train instead of taking a cab because of traffic on the roads." The family is particularly devastated by this loss, especially his children-his son and two daughters-who are currently studying and struggling with their father's untimely death.

Shaikh frequently travelled to rural areas assisting villagers facing water scarcity. His commitment often took him away from home despite challenging conditions.

The tragic death of Shaikh serves as a grim reminder of the hazards that come with commuting during Mumbai's monsoons. Public transportation systems often falter under heavy rains, forcing passengers into dangerous situations as they attempt to navigate their daily routines.