In a tragic incident in Mumbai’s Kurla (West) area, a BEST electric bus accident claimed seven lives and left 42 others injured on Monday night. The bus, driven by 50-year-old Sanjay More, lost control, crashing into multiple vehicles and pedestrians over a 100-metre stretch before colliding with a building. Authorities have initiated a detailed investigation into the fatal crash.
Key Developments in the Kurla BEST Bus Crash
- Driver Arrested and Booked: Sanjay More, the bus driver, has been booked under sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. A local court has remanded him to police custody until December 21 for further investigation.
- Lack of EV Driving Experience: Police revealed that More had no prior experience driving electric vehicles and had undergone only 10 days of training before operating the bus. During interrogation, More confessed he was unable to control the vehicle due to unfamiliarity with automatic EVs.
- Medical Examination Clears Alcohol Influence: Initial medical reports suggested More was not under the influence of alcohol and was mentally alert during questioning, contrary to eyewitness accounts claiming he appeared intoxicated.
- Forensic Investigation Underway: Forensic experts and Regional Transport Officers are examining the 12-metre-long electric bus for potential mechanical failures that could have contributed to the accident.
- Compensation and Support: BEST has announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and pledged to cover medical expenses for the injured. Among the injured, seven remain in critical condition, while four police personnel involved are reported to be stable.
- Political Reactions: A BJP delegation met BEST General Manager Anil Diggikar, demanding increased compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of those who died and ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh for the injured. The delegation criticized the wet-lease model under which the bus was operated, calling for its review. In this model, private contractors provide buses, drivers, and maintenance services.
- Investigation Committee Formed: BEST has set up a committee led by Chief Manager (Transport) Ramesh Madavi to investigate the incident comprehensively.
The Accident Details
The mishap unfolded when More reportedly lost control of the bus, leading it to ram into 30-40 vehicles and pedestrians before crashing into the RCC column of the Solomon Building. The collision brought the bus to a halt but caused severe damage, including breaking the building’s compound wall.
Public Outcry and Safety Concerns
This tragic accident has reignited concerns over road safety and the preparedness of drivers operating electric buses in the city. The lack of sufficient training for EV drivers and reliance on private contractors under the wet-lease model have been highlighted as potential risks.
The authorities have pledged to ensure accountability and prevent such incidents in the future, while the victims’ families and injured individuals continue to receive medical and financial support.
Sources By Agencies