Navi Mumbai: Two young women were hospitalised after receiving an electric shock while riding a motorcycle through a waterlogged road beneath the Nerul LP Bridge on Wednesday amid heavy rainfall across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
The women reportedly came into contact with electricity after rainwater accumulated on the road became energised due to a suspected short circuit. Both were rescued and admitted to hospital, where doctors said they are out of danger.
Electric shock on flooded stretch
According to preliminary information, waterlogging beneath the Nerul LP Bridge became electrically charged after an exposed wire or electrical fault caused a short circuit.
The two women were travelling through the flooded stretch on a motorcycle when they received the electric shock, causing them to fall onto the road.
A video of the incident, which has since gone viral on social media, shows the women lying motionless in the flooded area while heavy rain continued.
Passerby rescues victims
The viral video also shows a passerby attempting to rescue the women using a tree branch to avoid direct contact with the electrified water.
After they were moved to safety, the women were transported to DY Patil Hospital in an autorickshaw for emergency treatment.
Doctors later confirmed that both women are in stable condition and remain under observation.
Mayor orders inquiry
Navi Mumbai Mayor Sujata Patil visited both the accident site and the hospital following the incident.
She directed officials from the electricity department to investigate the cause of the suspected short circuit and identify any negligence that may have contributed to the accident.
The Mayor also instructed municipal electrical engineers to immediately inspect and repair exposed wires, damaged electrical installations and faulty equipment in the area to prevent similar incidents during the ongoing monsoon.
Civic maintenance under scrutiny
Patil also expressed concern over delays in restoration work at locations excavated by various civic departments.
She said poor maintenance and incomplete repair work may have contributed to the hazardous conditions that led to the accident.
The Mayor directed officials to remain on high alert and ensure all necessary safety measures are implemented during the monsoon season.
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation stated that emergency teams and civic machinery have been fully deployed across the city to respond to rain-related incidents.
Heavy rain disrupts normal life
The incident occurred as Mumbai and its neighbouring regions continued to receive intense rainfall.
Several areas recorded more than 100 mm of rainfall during the 24-hour period ending at 8 am on Wednesday, resulting in widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions.
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the eastern suburbs recorded an average rainfall of 109 mm, while the western suburbs received 87 mm and the island city recorded 86 mm.
Among the highest rainfall figures, Mankhurd received 170.4 mm, Byculla recorded 162.52 mm, Mumbai Central received 142.43 mm and Wadala logged 127 mm.
In the western suburbs, Bandra Kurla Complex recorded 132.4 mm, Borivali received 126 mm and Dindoshi Fire Station registered 123 mm of rainfall.
Transport services affected
Heavy rainfall also affected public transport across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
While BEST bus services continued to operate, suburban train services on the Central and Western Railway experienced delays.
Harbour Line services connecting Navi Mumbai with Mumbai were disrupted after an overhead electrical wire snapped between 4.52 am and 5.45 am, affecting local train operations.
Conclusion
The accident has highlighted the dangers posed by exposed electrical infrastructure during heavy rains. Authorities have launched an investigation into the suspected short circuit, while civic agencies have been directed to strengthen safety measures to prevent similar incidents during the monsoon.