Two women were hospitalised after suffering an electric shock while riding a motorcycle through a flooded road in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday. The incident reportedly occurred during a period of heavy rainfall that has affected the city since the previous night. Preliminary reports indicate that rainwater accumulated beneath the Nerul LP Bridge may have become electrified due to a short circuit.

As the women navigated the waterlogged area, they encountered the exposed wire, leading to the electric shock that caused them to fall onto the roadway. A video that subsequently went viral on social media depicts the women lying motionless in the water as nearby vehicles remain stranded. A bystander can be seen attempting a rescue using a tree branch in order to avoid direct contact with the electric current.

Following the incident, the victims were transported to DY Patil Hospital for treatment in an autorickshaw. Officials reported that the women are now out of danger and are being monitored by medical staff at the facility.

Official Responses and Safety Measures

Mayor Sujata Patil of Navi Mumbai visited the incident site and voiced concerns regarding insufficient safety protocols in place during the monsoon season. She has called upon civic agencies to maintain vigilance in the wake of the incident. Furthermore, the Mayor has directed the electricity department to carry out an investigation into the cause of the short circuit and to identify any lapses that may have contributed to the mishap.

In her statement, Patil emphasised the necessity for municipal electrical engineers to promptly repair any exposed wires and faulty electrical equipment in the vicinity. She also highlighted that delays in repair work at sites affected by prior excavations could have been a factor in this incident.

Concerned about severe weather conditions persisting in Navi Mumbai, the Mayor instructed officials to remain alert and ensure that all necessary precautionary measures are implemented to safeguard the public.

Weather Conditions and Impact on Transport

The electric shock incident took place as Navi Mumbai and the surrounding areas were experiencing significant rainfall, with various locations receiving over 100 mm of rain in the 24 hours leading up to 8 am on Wednesday. The heavy rainfall resulted in waterlogging at several sites, including the Andheri subway, prompting authorities to divert traffic in affected regions.

According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the eastern suburbs saw an average rainfall of 109 mm in this period. The western suburbs recorded an average of 87 mm, while the island city experienced 86 mm. Notably, the Mankhurd area registered the highest rainfall, at 170.4 mm.

Additional rainfall totals included 162.52 mm in Byculla, 142.43 mm in Mumbai Central, and 127 mm in Wadala. The Bandra Kurla Complex area in the western suburbs received 132.4 mm, followed by Borivali at 126 mm. The rain gauge at Dindoshi fire station recorded 123 mm.

The adverse weather also had repercussions for local transport services. While operations for BEST buses continued without interruption, suburban train services on the Central Railway and Western Railway faced delays. Disruptions were particularly noted on the Harbour line, which connects Navi Mumbai to parts of Mumbai, due to an overhead wire snapping between 4:52 am and 5:45 am, hence affecting the movement of local trains.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share