Kurla Tragedy: BEST Bus Accident Claims 5 Lives, Injures 22

Mumbai: A tragic accident occurred in Mumbai’s Kurla area on Monday night when a BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) bus rammed into pedestrians and vehicles, leaving three dead and 17 injured. The incident took place near Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) L Ward, and preliminary investigations suggest a brake failure as the cause.

Accident Details

The accident unfolded at approximately 9:50 PM near Anjuman-e-Islam School on SG Barway Marg in Kurla West. The BEST bus, operating on route number 332, was en route from Kurla railway station to Andheri when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle. As a result, the bus plowed into multiple vehicles and pedestrians on the busy road.

The out-of-control bus eventually crashed into the gate of a residential society in the vicinity, where it came to a halt. The collision caused widespread panic and disrupted traffic in the area, with many onlookers gathering at the accident site.

Casualties and Injuries

According to officials, three individuals lost their lives on the spot, while 17 others sustained injuries of varying severity. The injured were immediately rushed to the nearby Bhabha Hospital, where they are receiving medical attention. A staff nurse from Bhabha Hospital confirmed that 20 individuals were brought in following the incident, with three declared dead upon arrival.

Of the injured, 10 are reported to be in critical condition, while the others are being monitored for recovery. Witnesses at the scene mentioned that some of the injured were transported to the hospital in autorickshaws, as emergency services faced delays in accessing the crowded site.

Possible Cause of the Accident

A senior BMC official has suggested that brake failure was the likely cause of the accident. It was reported that the driver of the bus lost control suddenly while navigating the Ambedkar Nagar stretch near Buddha Colony. The uncontrolled vehicle struck several pedestrians and vehicles before colliding with a residential society’s gate.

Aftermath and Traffic Disruption

The accident led to significant traffic congestion in the area, as the mangled remains of vehicles and the stationary bus blocked parts of the road. Police officers arrived at the scene shortly after the incident to manage the crowd and begin an investigation. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of pedestrians affected or whether any victims were taken to medical facilities other than Bhabha Hospital.

Public Reaction

The accident has sparked outrage and concern among residents and commuters in Kurla. Many have criticized the state of public transport and raised questions about the maintenance and safety protocols for BEST buses. Eyewitnesses recounted the horrifying moment when the bus plowed through the crowded street, leaving a trail of destruction.

Residents in the vicinity of the accident site expressed their anger at the lack of timely action and the perceived negligence in bus maintenance. “This could have been avoided with proper checks and maintenance,” said a local resident, highlighting the need for stricter oversight of public transportation systems.

Official Response

Officials from BEST and BMC have assured that a detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident. They have also pledged to provide medical assistance to the injured and support to the families of the deceased. The driver of the bus is reportedly being questioned by the police to establish further details about the circumstances leading to the crash.

Conclusion

The Kurla BEST bus accident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of vehicle maintenance and road safety. While the cause of the accident is yet to be conclusively determined, initial indications of brake failure highlight the urgent need for stringent safety checks on public transport vehicles. As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing relief to the victims and preventing such incidents in the future.