Mumbai: The tragic bus accident that shook Mumbai’s Kurla West on Monday night has claimed six lives, leaving 49 others injured, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The incident occurred when a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus lost control and plowed into pedestrians and vehicles along SG Barve Marg, one of the city’s busiest routes.
The accident took place as the bus, en route from Kurla station to Sakinaka on route A322, collided with nearly 30-40 vehicles over a stretch of 100 meters before crashing into the RCC column of the Solomon Building, breaking its compound wall. The bus then entered Buddha Colony, a residential society, where it finally came to a halt.
The electric bus, a 12-meter-long vehicle manufactured by Hyderabad-based Olectra Greentech, was on a wet lease with BEST. Initial reports indicate that the driver, Sanjay More, lost control, leading to a sudden acceleration that caused the crash. More has been detained, and authorities are investigating the exact cause of the accident.
Three individuals were declared dead upon arrival at Bhabha Hospital on Monday night. By Tuesday morning, the death toll had risen to six. Rescue operations were swiftly carried out, and the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The Mumbai Police has shut down SG Barve Marg, a crucial connection to Kurla station, to facilitate the investigation and clear the debris. Alternative bus routes have been arranged, impacting commuters traveling to locations like the Bandra-Kurla Complex.
Eyewitnesses described the chaos as the bus careened through the crowded street, dragging vehicles and hitting pedestrians. The crash has left the community in shock, with many questioning the safety protocols for electric buses and driver training.
BEST officials, addressing the media after the incident, acknowledged the severity of the crash, stating, “As per initial information, the driver lost control of the bus, and the speed accelerated beyond control.”
Authorities, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Mumbai Police, are conducting a detailed investigation to determine whether mechanical failure or human error was the primary cause of the accident.
The closure of SG Barve Marg has disrupted travel for thousands of commuters who rely on the route to reach Kurla station and other areas. BEST is now operating alternative services from nearby locations to ease the situation.
The incident underscores the need for stringent safety measures for public transportation in Mumbai, especially for newer electric vehicles. As the city mourns the loss of lives and prays for the injured, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and preparedness in urban transit systems.
Authorities have assured a thorough probe and promised necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future.