Mumbra train fall tragedy: A property deal that will not happen, a son’s birthday that will not be celebrated | Mumbai News

THANE: The lives and dreams of four families were shattered in an instant as their loved ones were killed in Monday’s train accident near Mumbra. Commuting to work or heading home after a routine work shift — one travelling to buy his dream home — turned out to be the final stop in the journey of their young lives.Mayur Shah (44), Thane residentThe IT engineer’s journey to Dombivli, which turned out to be his last one, was meant to secure his future through a property purchase. The Thane resident, who dedicated his life to caring for his 80-year-old mother, worked at a company in Vidyavihar and was heading to meet a property owner about purchasing a flat that would have marked a new chapter in his life. His brother-in-law learned of his plans only after tragedy struck. One of Shah’s two married sisters collapsed in shock outside the mortuary upon receiving news of his death. Vicky Mukhyadal (34), GRP constableVicky was headed home to Kalyan after completing his night shift, ironically protecting the very railway system that ultimately claimed his life. He had celebrated his 34th birthday just four days ago on Thursday. The family is from Sindhu apartment in Lokgram, Kalyan (East). Vicky lived with his wife, Deepa (30), and his son, Pranay, who will turn three years old a week later on June 16. As word arrived about his fatal accident, an atmosphere of deep sorrow pervaded his house. His housing society and neighbourhood was enveloped in a pall of gloom.Neighbours said that Deepa received news of her husband’s death in the morning, after which she was inconsolable. Since Vicky’s parents and younger brother live in their native village in Jalna, the family decided to take his remains there for the last rites.Vicky’s neighbour Santosh Agavane described him as an affable person who always met people with a smile. “He celebrated his own birthday simply at home but was more excited about his son’s upcoming birthday,” he said. Society member Bharat Varghat said that Vicky did many good deeds during his posting in Kalyan GRP before recently getting transferred to Thane, where he even caught a thief.Vicky had secured his job five years ago, after which he started living in Lokgram. Earlier he used to live in a rented apartment and purchased his own home two years ago. A year ago the dutiful householder also got his younger brother married.One of his GRP colleagues remembered him as a “cooperative and caring” co-worker. Other GRP employees were heartbroken that the devoted father’s life had been cut tragically short.Rahul Gupta (27), resident of DivaThe deceased is survived by his youngest brother and two sisters. His father works as a security guard. Rahul worked as a helper in a stationery shop and handled deliveries. His family members said he was a conscientious son who supported the large family. The tragedy left his father grappling with an unimaginable loss. “This is a tragic moment for our family,” he mourned, his words barely capturing the depth of grief that consumed their household. The simple statement masked the profound devastation that tore through yet another family.Ketan Saroj (23), BPO employeeKetan Saroj, who boarded the train at Shahad, was standing near the footboard in a less crowded local. Minutes later, a surge of passengers entered at Diva. As they moved through the crowded compartment, their bags brushed against those standing precariously on the footboard. The pressure caused Saroj to lose his balance and fall from the moving train, beginning a desperate struggle for survival that ended in his death at Thane Civil Hospital. Passengers said they pulled the train’s emergency chain but that did not stop the moving train. “What is the use of the chain when it failed to work in an emergency,” said his friend and co-traveller Deepak Shirsat. By the time Deepak continued to Thane and returned to the accident site, Saroj had already succumbed to his injuries in hospital. Saroj had recently completed his BCom degree and begun working at a BPO in Ashar IT Park. His father, an electrician, said tearfully, “The incident has shattered me. Most of our household expenses were borne by my son.” He requested govt assistance for his other son’s employment.