A tragic road accident involving a public transport bus in Mumbai has resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. The incident occurred late on Monday night in the Bhandup West area, casting a shadow over the city.
Details of the Bhandup Bus Accident
The accident took place near Station Road in Bhandup (West). According to officials, a bus operated by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking was reversing when it struck a group of people standing on the street behind it. The Mumbai Fire Brigade control room received the first alert about the incident at approximately 10:05 pm on Monday, December 29.
Preliminary reports from the scene indicate that the bus driver was maneuvering the vehicle in reverse when it lost control and plowed into commuters. Authorities have stated that the precise cause of the accident is still under investigation and is yet to be officially established.
Emergency Response and Casualty Figures
Following the crash, a multi-agency emergency response was swiftly activated. Teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), local police, BEST undertaking, and 108 ambulance services rushed to the location. Their immediate priority was to provide aid to the victims and transport them to medical facilities.
The casualty count from the unfortunate event stands at four people killed and at least ten others injured. Hospital authorities provided the following breakdown of the victims:
At Rajawadi Hospital, an unidentified woman, approximately 31 years old, was declared dead on arrival. Another victim, identified as Prashant Lad (51), was admitted in a critical condition.
Meanwhile, at MT Agarwal Hospital in Mulund, the situation was equally grave. Three individuals were brought in dead, while nine others are currently receiving treatment for various injuries sustained in the accident. Police officials have confirmed that further details regarding the identities of the deceased and the exact severity of injuries to the others are still being awaited.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
The accident has raised serious concerns about road safety protocols, particularly concerning the operation of large public service vehicles in crowded urban areas. The local authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the sequence of events that led to this tragedy.
Key questions being examined include the driver's actions, the mechanical condition of the bus, and whether all safety procedures were followed during the reversing maneuver. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by pedestrians on Mumbai's bustling streets.