MUMBAI: What began as a celebratory journey for the Yadav family ended in devastation after a Metro-4 viaduct segment collapsed on LBS Road in Mulund. Ramdhan Yadav (50), sarpanch of Barsathi village in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, died on the spot, while two relatives — Mahendra Yadav (52) and Rajkumar Yadav (25) — remain hospitalised with severe injuries.The accident cast a shadow over a family wedding that had brought several relatives to Mumbai. By Sunday, grief had given way to anger. The family questioned why they should accept compensation “far below accountability” if the authority planned to levy heavy penalties on those responsible. “If fines worth crores can be recovered from the contractor, why should the family settle for anything less than justice?” asked Sarvesh Yadav, a relative.The family asked: If MMRDA would recover Rs 5 crore in fines from the contractor, why should they accept anything less than Rs 1 crore?Ramdhan Yadav is survived by three daughters aged 24, 16 and 12. The relatives refused to accept the body of the deceased, Ramdhan Yadav (50), until press time, as their demand remained unmet. “His body is the proof of the tragedy on us. Once we take his body back to our village and proceed with cremation, we will be left on our own,” said Sarvesh Yadav, a relative.By evening, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) announced a compensation package of Rs 35–40 lakh, comprising Rs 15 lakh financial aid, an insurance payout of Rs 15–20 lakh, and Rs 5 lakh ex gratia. The family, however, continued to press for a government job for the immediate kin and enhanced compensation.At Upasani Hospital, relatives kept vigil outside the intensive care unit. Rajkumar, an autorickshaw driver, underwent surgery but had not regained consciousness. Family members said his leg injuries were extensive and his upper body had also suffered severe trauma. Mahendra, though conscious, sustained broken ribs and remains in critical condition. Hospital authorities did not issue a medical bulletin, and media access to doctors was restricted.Investigators said a large concrete parapet segment fell onto an autorickshaw and a car passing below. The impact mangled both vehicles, leaving bystanders stunned.MMRDA termed the incident a case of prima facie negligence, citing lapses by contractor RAJV–Milan Infra, its sub-contractor, and inadequate supervision by the general consultant DB–Hill–LBG consortium. A detailed technical probe has been initiated to determine the precise cause and fix responsibility. An executive engineer has been suspended pending inquiry.Five individuals linked to the contractor and consultant were arrested and remanded to three-day police custody by a Dadar holiday court. Police said they are also searching for a welder and a project consultant believed to be connected to the work at the site.In an extraordinary safety response, MMRDA ordered a special intensive inspection across the entire Wadala–Kasarvadavali Metro-4 corridor. The multi-disciplinary team will conduct day-wise documentation of structural conditions and corrective measures over the next three to four days. Officials said any component found unsafe or non-compliant would be secured, rectified, or removed, with work at affected locations suspended until written clearance is granted.For the Yadav family, however, the official actions offer little solace. “We came to Mumbai for a wedding,” said one relative quietly outside the hospital. “We are now planning a funeral.”
