A Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus lost control and collided with 14 vehicles in Mumbai's Andheri area on Friday, according to officials. The incident occurred around 1:30 PM when the bus was taking a right turn from Caesar Road onto Swami Vivekananda Road near the Andheri Subway.
Details of the accident
Witnesses reported that the bus, operated by the city's public transport utility, suddenly veered off its path and struck multiple vehicles, including cars, auto-rickshaws, and two-wheelers, before coming to a halt. The driver reportedly lost control while navigating the turn, leading to the chain-reaction crash. Emergency services, including police and ambulances, arrived at the scene shortly after the incident.
According to the Mumbai Traffic Police, no fatalities were reported, but at least three individuals sustained minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The injured were identified as passengers in the affected vehicles. The bus driver has been detained for questioning, and authorities are investigating whether mechanical failure or driver error caused the accident.
Impact on traffic
The crash caused significant traffic disruption in the Andheri area, a busy commercial and residential hub. Vehicles were diverted for several hours as cleanup operations were carried out. The damaged vehicles were towed away, and the road was cleared by late afternoon. Local commuters faced delays, with traffic snarls extending to nearby roads such as the Western Express Highway.
A BEST spokesperson stated, 'We are cooperating with the police investigation and will take appropriate action based on the findings. The safety of our passengers and the public is our top priority.' The utility has promised to conduct a thorough inspection of the bus involved.
Background
This incident adds to a series of accidents involving BEST buses in Mumbai. In recent months, there have been calls for better maintenance and stricter safety protocols. The Andheri subway area is known for heavy traffic, and the turn from Caesar Road is considered tricky, especially for large vehicles. Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution and are reviewing road safety measures at the junction.
