In another alleged metro construction-related mishap, a 3×8 ft wooden plank reportedly fell on LBS Road in Mulund on Monday morning, according to local MLA Mihir Kotecha.
The incident comes over two months after a parapet segment of Metro Line 4 collapsed at a nearby site, leaving one person dead and three injured. “The plank fell just 10 metres away from the earlier site, damaging a moving car. Fortunately, no one was injured this time,” Kotecha alleged.
Damage to vehicle
According to Kotecha, the accident occurred when a wooden plank fell from the metro construction site onto a car attempting a U-turn. The impact caused a significant dent to the vehicle’s roof.
Providing details of the vehicle owner, he said, “The vehicle belonged to Dr Anita Mathew, Director of Internal and Infectious Diseases at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, and a consultant at LTMMC & GH (Sion Hospital). Dr Mathew, who played a key role during the COVID-19 task force, was travelling with her driver, Rajan Nair, to Fortis Hospital at the time of the incident.”
Demand for action
Kotecha has demanded immediate termination of the contractor, alleging that public safety is being compromised. He also called for round-the-clock monitoring of construction work by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority until further action is taken.
He further stated that he has spoken to police officials and that an FIR would be registered against the contractor for negligence. “Strict action must be taken against those playing with the lives of Mumbaikars,” he said.
The MLA had earlier raised concerns in February, claiming that standard operating procedures (SOPs) were not being followed at the site and had demanded strict action against those responsible.
No response from officials
Mid-Day made multiple attempts to contact Dr Anita Mathew and Yogita Kolhe, a BMC T ward official, on Monday. However, no response was received till the time of going to press.
MMRDA response
Responding to queries, an official from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority said, “While a complaint has been reported, no such incident has been recorded or corroborated at the site. There is no evidence of any material falling from the viaduct, and no construction activity was underway in the mentioned stretch at the time. Additionally, no injuries or damage have been officially reported.”
The authority added that it has initiated a detailed investigation through its General Consultant to verify the claims and ensure adherence to safety standards.
Previous incident at the same location
On February 14, 2026, a concrete parapet slab (approximately 6 ft × 4 ft) from the elevated Metro Line 4 viaduct fell onto an autorickshaw and a car below. The incident resulted in one fatality and left three others injured.
Following the accident, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority halted work at the site, ordered an inquiry, and imposed a fine of Rs 5 crore on the contractor, Milan Road Buildtech LLP, and associated consultants. Five individuals were arrested in connection with the incident.
