I took the morning newspaper in my hand and read the bold headlines: CST BOUND LOCAL DERAILS 14 killed and 37 injured. I was shocked. I read the whole report. The accident had occurred between Ghatkopar and Kurla. From the middle ladies’ compartment, the end portion of the train derailed and got detached from the rest of the train. The ladies compartment had overturned. The train was packed with office-goers. All the foot-board travelers were either thrown off or crushed. The women’s compartment was the worst-hit. It was a horrifying and pathetic scene, too gruesome for words. Bodies were seen scattered, mangled and bleeding.

Many lay unconscious and some were groaning and writhing with pain. Most of them were still trapped in the over-turned bogies. One could hear agonizing cries from a distance and gauge the intensity of suffering. Passengers from the front portion of the train jumped down to render whatever help they could. It was distressing to note that while some good souls were trying to help, there were miscreants looting the possessions. It is unbelievable that human nature can be so base! It took at least 45 minutes before the Fire Brigade could arrive and start rescue operations. Many of the injured were taken to various hospitals and attempts were made to inform their kith.

Big cranes had to be employed to lift the toppled bogie and some might have met an agonizing death crushed its pressure. It was only late in the evening at about 9 p.m. that the tracks were cleared and service resumed. It would be impossible to estimate the level and amount of human suffering involved in such accidents. After reading the whole account I was dump-struck. My heart went out to a few of my train mates and their fate. On the day of the accident, I was fortunately forced to take casual leave. As I was getting ready for office, my mother complained of giddiness and nausea. I did not want to take any chances. I called our family doctor and got her treated. He advised me not to leave her alone at least for one day. Had it not been for my mother’s ill-health? I would have travelled by that very ill-fated train leaving Thane at 9.15 a.m. Evidently some divine power had saved me. I have had a miraculous escape. I sat and prayed to God with profound gratitude. All I could say was……’Thank God! I am safe’.