The death toll from the devastating BEST bus accident in Mumbai’s Kurla West rose to seven, while 42 others sustained injuries, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The tragic incident occurred on Monday night when a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus lost control, hitting pedestrians and multiple vehicles along SG Barve Marg, police reported.
The bus, en route to Andheri, ploughed through a 100-metre stretch, colliding with 30-40 vehicles before crashing into an RCC column near the Solomon Building and breaking its compound wall, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). “Initial information suggests that the driver lost control of the bus,” said a BEST official.
The driver, Sanjay More, who had joined the service just ten days ago on December 1, has been detained. Deputy Commissioner of Police Ganesh Gawade noted, “In his statement, the driver said he panicked and could not control the vehicle.”
The bus was identified as a 12-metre-long electric vehicle manufactured by Hyderabad-based Olectra Greentech, taken on a wet lease by BEST. Reports suggest that the bus’s speed accelerated as the driver struggled to regain control.
Rescue operations were carried out promptly, with injured victims rushed to nearby hospitals, including Bhabha Hospital. Officials confirmed that three people were brought dead from the crash site, with the death toll later rising to seven.
In response to the incident, the Mumbai Police have closed SG Barve Marg to traffic, a key route connecting Kurla station to other parts of the city. “We are operating buses on 10 alternate routes to ensure connectivity,” said a BEST official. Authorities are conducting a detailed investigation into the incident, including reviewing CCTV footage and technical assessments by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to rule out mechanical failure as a cause.
The tragic accident underscores concerns over road safety and preparedness as rescue efforts continue and investigations progress.
