The death toll from a devastating BEST bus accident in Mumbai's Kurla West climbed to seven on Tuesday, with 42 others injured, according to official reports. The tragic incident occurred on Monday night along SG Barve Marg when a bus lost control, plowing through pedestrians and vehicles before crashing into a residential building's compound wall.
The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) bus was en route to Andheri when the driver reportedly lost control, triggering a series of collisions over a 100-meter stretch. The bus struck 30 to 40 vehicles before ramming into an RCC column of the Solomon Building, damaging its compound wall, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed.
In a statement issued hours after the accident, BEST officials indicated that "initial information suggests the driver lost control of the vehicle." The transport body further clarified that the bus's speed accelerated uncontrollably before the crash.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
Three victims were declared dead upon arrival at Bhabha Hospital late Monday night. By Tuesday, the toll had risen to seven, while 42 others were being treated for injuries sustained in the incident. Rescue teams swiftly evacuated the injured to nearby hospitals, ensuring timely medical attention.
Incident Details and Driver Detention
The bus driver, Sanjay More, has been detained for questioning. Officials disclosed that the bus, operating on route A322 from Kurla station to Sakinaka, veered out of control, hitting pedestrians and vehicles before finally coming to a halt inside a residential complex, Buddha Colony.
Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle involved was a 12-meter-long electric bus manufactured by Hyderabad-based Olectra Greentech, leased by BEST under a wet lease agreement. Authorities are conducting a detailed investigation to ascertain the precise cause of the crash.
Traffic Disruptions and Route Diversions
In the aftermath of the accident, Mumbai Police shut down SG Barve Marg, a critical connector to Kurla station, for traffic. The BEST administration has rerouted services on 10 bus routes to mitigate commuter inconvenience.
SG Barve Marg is one of Mumbai’s busiest transit corridors, serving thousands of daily passengers commuting to areas like the Bandra-Kurla Complex. Authorities are working to manage the flow of traffic while repairs and investigations are underway.
Ongoing Investigation
This tragic accident has raised questions about vehicle safety and driver accountability, particularly concerning leased electric buses. Investigators are examining all aspects of the incident, including mechanical factors and driver error, to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Authorities have assured the public of a comprehensive inquiry to address any systemic issues and ensure the safety of Mumbai’s public transport system.
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