Mumbai BEST Bus Accident Claims Three Lives and Injures 22 Due to Suspected Brake Failure

A tragic incident occurred on Monday night when a bus operated by Mumbai's civic transport body, BEST, collided with pedestrians and vehicles. This accident resulted in three fatalities and over 20 injuries, as reported by police and municipal officials. The mishap took place near the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's L Ward in Kurla, possibly due to brake failure. The bus driver has been detained for further investigation.

The bus, bearing registration number MH01-EM-8228, was travelling from Kurla railway station to Andheri when it lost control. It collided with multiple vehicles over a 100-metre stretch before crashing into the RCC column of the Solomon building. The impact shattered the bus windows. The vehicle eventually came to a stop after entering Buddha Colony, a residential area.

Eyewitness Accounts and Immediate Response

Zeeshan Ansari, who witnessed the accident, stated, "I was standing in front of Royal Sweets shop along with my friends when I saw a bus being driven rashly. The bus suddenly dashed into multiple vehicles as well as pedestrians and entered Buddha Colony. We rushed and brought out the bus driver." He described seeing many people injured and lying in blood.

Zaid Ahmed, a local resident aged 26, recounted his experience: "I ran to the spot and saw a BEST bus had hit pedestrians, other vehicles, including an autorickshaw and three cars. I saw some dead bodies in front of my eyes. We rescued the passengers in the autorickshaw and took them to Bhabha Hospital in another three-wheeler." Ahmed and his friends assisted in providing aid to those injured.

Details of the Bus and Investigation Challenges

The bus involved was a 12-metre long electric vehicle manufactured by Hyderabad-based Olectra Greentech. It had been leased by BEST from EVEY Trans, with drivers supplied by a private operator. Registered just three months ago on August 20 this year, the bus was relatively new.

BEST officials faced difficulties conducting their investigation due to the large crowd gathered at the accident site. A police official mentioned that heavy deployment of personnel was necessary to maintain order at the scene.

Impact on Vehicles and Injuries

The crash damaged several vehicles, including an autorickshaw and three cars. Some injured individuals were reported to be in critical condition. Three victims were declared dead upon arrival at Bhabha Hospital, where 22 others received treatment for their injuries.

Locals reportedly roughed up the driver following the accident. The bus also struck a police vehicle during its uncontrolled journey from Kurla to Andheri along route 332.

This incident highlights concerns about safety measures for public transport vehicles in urban areas. Authorities are expected to conduct thorough investigations to determine the exact cause of this tragic event.