A tragic incident in Kurla, Mumbai, on Monday night left six dead and 49 injured when a BEST bus lost control and crashed into several vehicles and pedestrians. The accident occurred around 9:30 PM on SG Barve Road, where the bus collided with multiple autorickshaws and pedestrians before crashing into a residential complex. The driver, Sanjay More, has been detained as investigations into the cause, suspected to be brake failure, are ongoing.
Details of the Incident
The horrific accident took place when the BEST bus, operating on route 332 from Kurla Station to Andheri, suddenly accelerated and struck multiple vehicles, including five to six autorickshaws and numerous pedestrians. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as the bus careened down the road for over 100 meters, hitting approximately 30-40 vehicles before crashing into the gates of a nearby residential building. Local resident Zaid Ahmed recounted the panic: “I saw a BEST bus had hit pedestrians, an autorickshaw, and cars.” The deceased have been identified as Shivam Kashyap (18), Kaniz Fatima (55), Afeel Shah (19), and Anam Sheikh (20).
Investigation Underway
Following the incident, Mumbai police have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The driver has been detained for questioning and claimed that faulty brakes caused him to lose control. Authorities are examining the bus’s condition to determine whether technical issues or driver negligence were at fault. The Regional Transport Office is involved in assessing maintenance records for the electric bus, which was registered just three months ago. As investigations continue, officials warn that the death toll could rise due to the severity of some injuries.
Official Statements and Community Response
Government officials have expressed their condolences and concern over the accident. Ravi Gaikwad, head of the Regional Transport Office (RTO), confirmed that a team of experts is collaborating with police to investigate potential causes of the crash. Local MLA Mangesh Kudalkar has promised to pursue compensation for the families of the deceased while calling for urgent improvements to road safety measures in Kurla. Residents have voiced outrage over public transport safety and criticized local authorities for neglecting infrastructure development amidst increasing traffic congestion.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols in public transportation systems across our cities. We must advocate for stringent maintenance checks and comprehensive driver training to prevent such tragedies from occurring again. As we reflect on this devastating event, what steps can we take as a community to ensure safer roads for everyone? Let us engage in constructive dialogue about improving safety standards for all commuters and fostering a culture of accountability within public transport services.
