Sonia expresses grief over Mumbai stampede, terms it man-made disaster

Congress President Sonia Gandhi has expressed shock and anguish at the stampede at the Parel- Elphinstone Railway Station, Mumbai and termed it man-made disaster.

At least 22 people died and more than 30 were seriously injured on Friday morning in a stampede at the railway station.

Wishing an early recovery to the injured, Sonia conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.

Terming the tragedy as a man-made disaster and expressing concern over Rail safety, the Congress President said that such accidents could have been avoided had there been proper planning and concern for safety.

She hoped that Railway authorities and local administration are undertaking the relief operations expeditiously besides providing medical help to the injured.

She said that a proper inquiry should be conducted to affix responsibility and accountability. She also asked the Regional & Pradesh Congress Committee and Congress workers to contribute in providing assistance to the families of the bereaved.

Meanwhile, Union Railways Minster Piyush Goyal has ordered a high-level enquiry headed by the Chief Safety Officer of Western Railways in the stampede.