A peaceful morning temple visit turned into an unimaginable tragedy for an 81-year-old woman in Mulund, when she was fatally crushed by a BEST bus on Thursday. The heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves through the community and raised urgent questions about road safety for pedestrians, especially senior citizens.
The Fateful Morning That Ended in Tragedy
The victim, identified as Prabhavati Shinde, was following her daily spiritual routine when disaster struck. Eyewitnesses describe a scene of horror as the speeding bus allegedly lost control and mounted the footpath where the octogenarian was walking.
"She was just meters away from the temple when the bus came crashing onto the pavement," recounted a local shopkeeper who witnessed the accident. "It happened so fast, nobody could react in time."
Immediate Aftermath and Public Outrage
Local residents and fellow devotees rushed to the scene, but the injuries proved fatal. The Mulund police quickly arrived and registered a case against the bus driver, who has been taken into custody for questioning.
The incident has sparked widespread anger among Mumbai citizens, with many taking to social media to express their concerns about the deteriorating safety standards of public transport in the city.
Growing Concerns About Pedestrian Safety
This tragic event highlights several critical issues facing Mumbai's roads:
- Increasing incidents of public transport vehicles violating traffic norms
- Lack of protected pedestrian pathways in many areas
- Inadequate safety measures for senior citizens on roads
- Need for better driver training and accountability
Authorities Respond to the Crisis
BEST officials have promised a thorough investigation into the incident. "We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate accident and will ensure that appropriate action is taken," stated a senior BEST official.
The Mumbai Traffic Police have also initiated a special drive to check reckless driving by public transport vehicles in the area.
As the community mourns the loss of Prabhavati Shinde, this incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive road safety reforms in India's financial capital. The question remains: How many more lives must be lost before concrete action is taken?
