Mumbai Kurla BEST Bus Tragedy: Death Toll Rises To Seven, 49 Injured In Fatal Crash

A horrific accident in Mumbai's Kurla West has claimed the lives of at least seven people and left 49 others injured.

The tragic incident occurred on Monday night when a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus lost control, ramming into pedestrians and vehicles along SG Barve Marg.

Fatal Accident Details

The bus, en route to Andheri, veered out of control and collided with several vehicles over a 100-meter stretch, causing widespread damage before finally crashing into an RCC column of the Solomon Building, breaking its compound wall. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the vehicle hit 30-40 vehicles along its path.

Security personnel were seen near the wrecked bus, which was part of the city's public transport fleet. The BEST transport body stated that the driver, Sanjay More, lost control of the vehicle, and its speed accelerated uncontrollably after that.

Casualties and Injuries

The incident resulted in immediate fatalities, with three people declared dead at the scene. The death toll has since risen to six, with 49 others sustaining injuries, including serious ones. Emergency responders quickly transported the injured to nearby hospitals, and rescue operations continued well into the night.

Bus Driver Detained

The driver of the ill-fated bus, Sanjay More, has been detained by the Mumbai Police for questioning. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash, which disrupted the busy SG Barve Marg and surrounding areas.

Vehicle and Route Details

The bus involved in the crash was a 12-meter-long electric vehicle manufactured by Hyderabad-based Olectra Greentech, which had been leased to the BEST transport body. According to reports, the bus was on its route from Kurla station to Sakinaka when the accident occurred.

After plowing through pedestrians and vehicles, the bus continued into the Buddha Colony residential area before finally coming to a halt. As a result of the accident, Mumbai Police have closed SG Barve Marg for traffic, affecting public transport in the area. The BEST is currently operating buses on alternative routes, as many as 10, to alleviate the disruption caused by the incident.

Ongoing Investigation

While rescue and relief operations were swiftly carried out, authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the accident. They are working to determine whether mechanical failure, human error, or another factor led to the tragic loss of life. Meanwhile, local commuters and passengers who rely on the Kurla station routes are facing delays as traffic remains diverted.

This tragic incident underscores the importance of road safety and highlights the need for continuous scrutiny of public transport systems to prevent such accidents in the future.

Public Reaction

The incident has sparked an outpouring of grief and concern from Mumbai residents, who have expressed their shock at the magnitude of the crash. Local authorities have urged people to avoid the area and adhere to traffic restrictions as investigations continue.