A harrowing incident unfolded in Mumbai’s Kurla area on Monday night as a BEST (Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport) electric bus lost control, killing seven people and injuring 42 others. Disturbing CCTV footage from inside the bus shows driver Sanjay More grabbing two backpacks from the cabin before jumping out of a shattered window after the crash.
Panic Inside the Bus
The footage, which has since gone viral on social media, captures moments of chaos as passengers gripped poles and handles, trying to maintain balance while others peered through windows to understand the unfolding disaster. After the bus came to a halt, many passengers, rather than exiting through the doors, leapt through the shattered windows in panic.
The bus conductor exited through the rear door, while driver Sanjay More moved swiftly to the cabin, collected two bags, and escaped through a broken window on the left side.
The Deadly Crash
The accident occurred around 9:30 PM along SG Barve Marg in Kurla West. The electric bus ran amok, colliding with multiple vehicles and pedestrians, leading to tragic fatalities and injuries. The driver, Sanjay More, has been arrested and charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. He has been remanded in police custody until December 21.
Investigations and Findings
Initial investigations by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) found no technical fault in the bus. This contradicts More’s claims that he received inadequate training for operating electric buses. More reportedly underwent three rounds of training from the wet lease contractor, while BEST’s Standard Operating Procedure mandates a six-week refresher course for transitioning from manual to electric buses.
Safety Measures and Reforms
In response to the tragedy, BEST and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) officials convened a meeting with private operators to address driver training and enhance safety protocols.
BEST has announced plans to make breathalyzer tests mandatory for drivers to ensure they are fit for duty. The transport body has also demanded detailed reports on driver training, appointment criteria, training infrastructure, and training modules from private operators.
The Kurla accident has reignited concerns over the safety and operational readiness of Mumbai’s electric bus fleet, prompting authorities to reevaluate safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Sources By Agencies