Massive crash on SG Barve Marg leaves Mumbai shaken; investigations underway.
The bustling streets of Mumbai witnessed a harrowing accident late Monday night as a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus lost control and plowed through pedestrians and vehicles in Kurla West. The tragic incident claimed seven lives and left 42 injured, some critically, according to officials.
𝕄𝕌𝕄𝔹𝔸𝕀 | A tragic accident occurred near Kurla railway station in Mumbai on Monday night, resulting in the loss of four lives and injuring 31 others. The incident happened around 9:50 pm when a BEST bus, operating on route number 332 between Kurla and Andheri stations, lost… pic.twitter.com/RU5rCbzicn
— ℝ𝕒𝕛 𝕄𝕒𝕛𝕚 (@Rajmajiofficial) December 9, 2024
Accident Details
The accident unfolded on SG Barve Marg, a critical connector to Kurla station, when the bus, operating on route A322 from Kurla to Sakinaka, lost control over a 100-meter stretch. It collided with 30-40 vehicles, dragged several pedestrians, and eventually crashed into the RCC column of the Solomon Building, breaking its compound wall.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos as the bus sped uncontrollably, damaging everything in its path. The bus only came to a halt after entering Buddha Colony, a residential society.
Immediate Aftermath
- Casualties and Injuries: Three individuals were declared dead on arrival at Bhabha Hospital on Monday night. By Tuesday morning, the death toll rose to seven, with 42 others injured. Many are undergoing treatment at local hospitals.
- Rescue Operations: Emergency responders acted swiftly, pulling victims from the wreckage and transporting them to nearby medical facilities.
Cause of the Accident
Initial investigations revealed that the bus, a 12-meter-long electric vehicle leased from Hyderabad-based Olectra Greentech, experienced an unexpected acceleration. BEST officials stated, “The driver, Sanjay More, appeared to have lost control of the vehicle,” adding that the exact cause is still under investigation.
The driver has been detained for questioning. Authorities are examining mechanical failures and driver error as potential reasons behind the incident.
Impact on Local Transport
The accident prompted the Mumbai Police to shut down SG Barve Marg for traffic. As a result, buses operating on 10 routes were diverted to nearby areas. This has disrupted daily commutes for thousands of passengers, particularly those traveling to the Bandra-Kurla Complex and other key destinations.
Community and Official Reactions
The tragedy has sparked concerns about the safety of electric buses and public transport in Mumbai. Locals have called for a thorough investigation into the incident and better safety protocols for public vehicles.
BEST officials have assured the public that they are cooperating with authorities to identify the cause and prevent such incidents in the future.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are meticulously analyzing the bus’s mechanical system and reviewing CCTV footage to ascertain the sequence of events. The focus is on determining whether the accident was caused by a technical glitch, human error, or a combination of factors.
Background on SG Barve Marg
SG Barve Marg is one of Mumbai’s busiest routes, connecting Kurla station to various commercial hubs. The route sees heavy traffic daily, making the accident even more devastating.
Key Questions for Authorities
- What safety measures are in place for leased electric buses?
- Was the driver adequately trained to operate the vehicle?
- How can such incidents be prevented on high-traffic routes like SG Barve Marg?
The incident has cast a spotlight on urban transportation safety and the need for stringent regulations to ensure public safety.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
