Midnight Tragedy in Mumbai: Deadly BEST Bus Accident Near Bhandup Railway Station
Midnight Tragedy in Mumbai: Mumbai witnessed a heartbreaking road tragedy late Monday night when a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport bus was involved in a fatal accident near the Bhandup West railway station. The incident occurred close to midnight and left the city shaken, once again raising serious concerns about public transport safety, pedestrian zones, and night-time traffic management in densely populated urban areas.
Incident Overview
The accident took place when a BEST bus was reversing near a busy bus stop outside Bhandup West railway station. At that moment, several people were standing nearby, either waiting for public transport or passing through the area. The bus reportedly lost situational control while moving backward and ran over multiple individuals standing close to the stop. Due to the late hour, visibility was limited, and the situation escalated quickly before bystanders could react.
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Casualties and Injuries
According to official reports, at least four people lost their lives in the accident, while nine others sustained injuries of varying severity. Among the deceased were three women and one man. Police officials confirmed that some victims were crushed under the bus, leading to instant fatalities. The injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
Medical authorities stated that three victims were brought dead to MT Agarwal Hospital, while nine injured individuals were admitted there for treatment. At Rajawadi Hospital, two more victims were reported, including an unidentified woman who was declared dead on arrival. Another victim, a 51-year-old man named Prashant Lad, was reported to be in critical condition and is currently undergoing intensive medical care.
Emergency Response and Police Action
Soon after the accident, emergency services were mobilised at the site. Ambulances, personnel from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, BEST staff, and local police teams reached the spot to manage the situation. The injured were rushed to hospitals without delay, and the area was cordoned off to facilitate rescue operations.
The bus driver involved in the incident was taken into police custody for questioning. Senior officials from the Bhandup police station confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident. Preliminary information suggests that the bus may have struck around 10 to 12 people during the reversing manoeuvre. The vehicle involved was identified as an electric bus manufactured by Olectra.
Eyewitness Accounts and Official Statements
Police officials present at the scene described the situation as chaotic, with victims lying injured near the bus stop. Senior Inspector Balasaheb Pawar stated that police teams were monitoring the situation closely and ensuring that all injured persons received prompt medical attention. Eyewitnesses reported that the bus dragged some victims underneath before coming to a halt, intensifying the severity of injuries.
Authorities are also examining whether proper safety protocols were followed while reversing the bus in a crowded public area. CCTV footage from nearby locations is being reviewed to establish accountability and reconstruct the sequence of events.
A Grim Reminder of Past Incidents
This tragic accident has revived memories of a similar incident that occurred last year in Kurla. In December, an electric BEST bus lost control and rammed into pedestrians and several vehicles on SG Barve Marg. That incident resulted in nine deaths and left more than forty people injured. The bus reportedly travelled nearly 200 metres before crashing into a cement gate, highlighting the devastating consequences of uncontrolled public transport vehicles.
Growing Concerns Over Urban Transport Safety
Repeated incidents involving city buses have sparked public debate over safety measures, driver training, vehicle maintenance, and infrastructure planning. Citizens and safety advocates are demanding stricter regulations, better monitoring systems, and improved design of bus stops to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As Mumbai continues to expand and rely heavily on public transport, ensuring the safety of commuters and pedestrians remains a critical priority. The Bhandup accident serves as a somber reminder that even a momentary lapse can result in irreversible loss of life.
Conclusion
The deadly BEST bus accident near Bhandup railway station has left families grieving and the city in shock. While investigations continue, the incident underscores the urgent need for stronger safety mechanisms and accountability in urban transport systems. Authorities now face the responsibility of ensuring justice for the victims and preventing similar tragedies from occurring again.