Ten people sustained burns in the fire that broke out on the CST-bound train on Tuesday. Of these, four people have been admitted to JJ Hospital, Byculla, while others are being treated on an outpatient basis.
One of the victims, Samad Abdulla Shaikh, 19, a resident of Wadala sustained 40% burns on his limbs and chest and is being kept under observation, doctors said.
“I was standing on the footboard when water started oozing from under the train and a huge flame engulfed the door,” said Shaikh, who is recuperating in the hospital’s emergency ward.
Shaikh, who works in the wholesale market in Masjid Bunder, boarded the train at Wadala. “Five of us were standing on the footboard and when the fire started. We could not run to the other side as the train was crowded,” said Shaikh.
Another commuter, Namdeo Keluskar, 20, sustained 32% burns on his arms and back.
Zafar Shaikh, who was on the train but escaped unhurt, said, “I saw the flame touching the roof of the train.” His friend, Khudus Hussain suffered 14% burns on his limbs.
Victims complained that not a single ambulance was available to take them to the hospital. “We were looking for taxis, but the police were kind enough to take us to the hospital in their van,” said Hussain.
One of the victims was referred to St George Hospital at CST was treated on an outpatient basis and sent home immediately after, said Dr DR Kulkarni, medical superintendent of the hospital.