Mumbai stampede: PM Modi, Pres Kovind express grief, CM Fadnavis announces 5 lakh ex-gratia

Expressing grief over the stampede at Mumbai's Elphinstone railway station, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the situation is being continuously monitored.

Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter and said that Railway Minister Piyush Goyal is in Mumbai and is taking stock of the situation and ensuring all the assistance.

"My deepest condolences to all those who have lost their lives due to the stampede in Mumbai. Prayers with those who are injured," Prime Minister Modi said.

"Situation in Mumbai is being continuously monitored. Piyush Goyal is in Mumbai taking stock of the situation & ensuring all assistance," he said in a series of tweet.

In similar sentiments, President Ram Nath Kovind also took to Twitter to pay his condolence.

"Anguished by the loss of lives in the stampede in Mumbai. Condolences to the bereaved families; prayers with injured," President Kovind said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also expressed his condolences over the tragedy and announced 5 lakh ex gratia for the next of the kins of deceased, stating that all the medical expenses of the injured will be borne by Government of Maharashtra.

"Saddened and shocked to know about the tragic stampede at #Elphinstone railway station, foot over bridge," Fadnavis wrote on Twitter.

He also spoke to the Chief Secretary and Mumbai Commissioner of Police and "asked them to reach hospital to monitor and ensure that everyone gets all the help."

He further said that enquiry will be conducted by Government of Maharashtra and Ministry of Railways and necessary, strict action will be taken.

Meanwhile, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has reached the site of stampede.

At least 22 people were killed in a stampede at Mumbai's Elphinstone railway station. The stampede took place on foot-over bridge, linking Elphinstone Road and Parel suburban railway stations.

Initial reports suggest that more than 33 people are injured. BMC's disaster management unit said "required agencies have been mobilised."

Elphinstone station is usually crowded during the peak hours as it caters to office-goers in the Lower Parel area. The station, on the Western Line of the Mumbai suburban rail network, also connects to Parel station on the Central line.