Railway Staff Flash Strike Sparks Deadly Chain of Events on Mumbai Tracks
A flash strike at Mumbai’s CSMT on 6 Nov halted trains during peak hours. Desperate passengers walking on tracks led to multiple deaths, raising serious safety concerns
On 6 November 2025, a flash strike by Central Railway staff at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) between 5:50 pm and 6:45 pm brought Mumbai’s local train services to a complete stop during peak evening hours. The sudden protest left thousands of commuters stranded on platforms and inside halted trains.
The protest was triggered by an FIR filed on 1 November against two Central Railway engineers under charges of criminal negligence. The case was connected to a June 2025 accident near Mumbra, where passengers fell from two passing trains, resulting in five deaths. Railway unions claim the FIR unfairly blames the staff and called the strike in response.
As services halted, chaos and confusion spread. At Byculla, 19-year-old Hailey Momaya and her aunt, trapped in a crowded train, began walking on the tracks toward CSMT. They were struck by an Ambarnath-bound fast train; Hailey died and her aunt was injured.
Around 7 pm, near Sandhurst Road, more commuters walking along the poorly lit, curved tracks were hit by another train. Two people were killed, including 45-year-old Suryakant Naik from Mira Road, and three others were injured.
Investigations are underway. Authorities acknowledge that passengers left stranded and in the dark took desperate measures, leading to the fatal chain of events. The tragedy has sparked debate about safety management, strike timing, and accountability within the railway system.
