Mumbai – A devastating BEST bus accident occurred outside Bhandup suburban railway station on Monday night, claiming four lives and leaving nine others severely injured. The tragic incident took place at approximately 10:03 pm when a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus mowed over passengers while reversing near the station premises. The BEST bus accident has raised serious questions about the safety protocols and operational standards of Mumbai’s civic-run transport undertaking.
Emergency response teams, including the police, fire brigade, BEST officials, and ambulances, were immediately activated and rushed to the scene. Senior police inspector Balasaheb Pawar confirmed that the police team reached the spot promptly and transported the injured victims to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment. The swift response of emergency services, however, could not prevent the tragic loss of four lives in this horrific BEST bus accident.
Driver Taken into Police Custody
Following the BEST bus accident, authorities took swift action by placing the driver under arrest. The 52-year-old driver, identified as Santosh Ramesh Sawant, has been taken into police custody for investigation. Police personnel from the deputy commissionerate confirmed Sawant’s detention as they began their inquiry into the circumstances that led to this fatal BEST bus accident at Bhandup station.
According to BEST officials, while Sawant was operating the bus at the time of the BEST bus accident, conductor Bhagwan Bhau Ghare was also present aboard the vehicle. Investigators are examining whether proper safety procedures were followed and what factors contributed to the driver losing control while reversing the bus in such a crowded area near the railway station.
Details of the Vehicle and Route
The bus involved in the BEST bus accident was a Wetlease Bus Olectra operating on route number A-606, attached to the Vikhroli depot. BEST operates an extensive fleet of buses covering Mumbai city and its neighboring urban areas, providing essential public transportation services to millions of commuters daily. The specific vehicle involved in this tragic BEST bus accident was part of the organization’s wet-leasing arrangement.
Despite operational constraints including inadequate turning radius, BEST has been introducing Olectra-made midi buses on various routes due to a shortage of buses in its fleet. These midi buses have been deployed on routes from Bhandup (West) station, where the fatal BEST bus accident occurred. The decision to deploy these buses despite operational challenges has now come under scrutiny following this deadly incident.
Chief Minister Announces Financial Assistance
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded swiftly to the BEST bus accident tragedy by announcing financial assistance for the victims’ families. The Chief Minister declared that the government would provide ₹5 lakh to each family of the four casualties who lost their lives in the devastating BEST bus accident. Fadnavis expressed his condolences through his social media platform X, describing the incident as “extremely unfortunate” and extending tributes to those who perished.
Also Read: JJ Hospital Shootout: Shocking 1992 Case Returns to Haunt Mumbai
The Chief Minister’s prompt announcement of compensation demonstrates the government’s acknowledgment of the severity of the BEST bus accident and its commitment to supporting the bereaved families during this difficult time. However, opposition leaders and public transport advocates have emphasized that financial compensation alone cannot address the systemic issues that may have contributed to this tragedy.
Political Response and Calls for Investigation
The BEST bus accident has triggered strong political reactions, with opposition leaders demanding a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Mumbai Congress president and Lok Sabha MP Varsha Gaikwad issued a statement seeking a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the BEST bus accident. Her remarks highlighted deeper concerns about the deteriorating state of Mumbai’s public transportation system.
Gaikwad criticized the current state of BEST operations, stating that the organization, once recognized as a world-class public transport system, has been deliberately weakened. She specifically targeted what she termed the “disastrous wet-leasing model” and accused the government of refusing to restore a fully public-run BEST system. In her statement regarding the BEST bus accident, Gaikwad alleged that the government’s approach of handing over services to contractor friends has pushed Mumbai into a dangerous situation.
Concerns About Wet-Leasing Model
The BEST bus accident has intensified debates about the wet-leasing model adopted by Mumbai’s transport authority. Critics argue that this model, which involves leasing buses along with drivers and maintenance from private operators, compromises safety standards and accountability. The tragic BEST bus accident at Bhandup has become a focal point for those questioning whether cost-cutting measures and privatization efforts are compromising passenger safety.
Opposition leaders have pointed out that the BEST bus accident reflects broader systemic issues within Mumbai’s public transportation infrastructure. They argue that the focus on wet-leasing arrangements rather than maintaining a robust, publicly-operated fleet has created vulnerabilities that can lead to such catastrophic incidents. The shortage of buses mentioned by officials further compounds these concerns, as it suggests that operational pressures may be forcing the deployment of vehicles in challenging conditions.
Investigation and Safety Protocols
As authorities investigate the BEST bus accident, several critical questions have emerged regarding safety protocols and driver training. Investigators are examining whether adequate safety measures were in place at the Bhandup station area, particularly for buses conducting reversing maneuvers in crowded zones. The BEST bus accident has highlighted the need for enhanced safety protocols around railway stations where pedestrian traffic is typically high.
The investigation into this BEST bus accident will likely examine multiple factors, including the driver’s experience and training, the mechanical condition of the vehicle, visibility conditions at the time of the incident, and whether proper safety procedures were followed. The findings of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for BEST operations and public transport safety standards across Mumbai.
