RoadSafety – Four-Year-Old Dies After Bus Collision in Mumbai

RoadSafety –  A four-year-old boy injured in a road crash involving a state-run Shivshahi bus in Mumbai’s Parel area has died after battling critical injuries for nearly two weeks. The child, identified as Athang Tawde, passed away on Tuesday at King Edward Memorial Hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment since the accident earlier this month.

Child Succumbs After Nearly Two Weeks in Intensive Care

Athang had been admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at King Edward Memorial Hospital following the February 4 collision. According to family members, his condition remained critical throughout his stay. Doctors placed him on ventilator support a day before his death after his health deteriorated and he stopped responding to treatment.

Despite continuous medical efforts, the young boy could not recover from the severe injuries he sustained in the crash. Hospital authorities confirmed that his body will be handed over to the family after postmortem formalities are completed.

Accident Occurred Near Parel Bridge Signal

The accident took place when Athang was returning home from school with his father, Mandar Tawde. The two were travelling on a scooter and had reportedly halted at a traffic signal near the Central Railway Workshop after descending the Parel bridge, heading toward Lalbaug.

According to the father’s complaint, a Shivshahi bus approached from behind at high speed and collided with their scooter after allegedly crossing the signal. The impact left both father and son injured, with the child sustaining life-threatening wounds.

Mandar Tawde received medical treatment for his injuries and has since recovered. However, his son remained in critical condition until his death.

Allegations of Negligence Against Bus Driver

The bus involved in the crash bore registration number MH09 EM 8639. It was being driven by Shyamrao Nathrao Nagargoje at the time of the incident. In his statement to the police, the child’s father alleged that the driver was negligent and failed to maintain control of the vehicle, resulting in the collision.

Police officials confirmed that the driver was initially taken into custody following the complaint. He was later granted bail as the investigation continued. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details regarding potential charges or departmental action.

Residents Demand Accountability

The child’s death has triggered concern among local residents, many of whom have called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations in the area. Parel, a densely populated locality with heavy vehicular movement, has witnessed multiple traffic-related incidents in recent years.

Residents have urged authorities to review signal compliance, monitor speeding, and ensure accountability for violations involving public transport vehicles. Some community members also highlighted the need for improved road safety measures near school routes.

Broader Concerns Over Road Safety

The incident has once again drawn attention to road safety in Mumbai, particularly in high-traffic corridors where buses, private vehicles, and two-wheelers share limited space. Experts note that adherence to traffic signals, speed limits, and lane discipline remains essential to prevent such tragedies.

While the investigation is ongoing, the loss of a young life has left the Tawde family and the local community in mourning. The case underscores the human cost of road accidents and the importance of responsible driving, especially in urban areas with significant pedestrian and commuter presence.

Authorities are expected to complete the postmortem examination and continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the crash.