MUMBAI: A day of road disruptions and safety concerns unfolded in Mumbai as two separate incidents involving Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses occurred within a 24-hour period. The first, a tragic accident in Mankhurd on Monday morning, resulted in the death of a pedestrian and injuries to several others. Later that night, another BEST bus crashed into a road divider in Borivali, adding to the growing unease about public transport safety in the city.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the Mankhurd incident, which occurred on the Sion-Panvel Highway near Vishwakarma Hospital, claimed the life of a 65-year-old pedestrian, identified as Bhaskar Raosaheb Pande. The bus, operating on route number 501, allegedly lost control and collided with the central road divider. The impact not only caused the fatality but also left the bus driver, conductor, and several passengers injured. The second incident, reported in Borivali on Monday night, involved a BEST bus crashing into a divider on SV Road. While this incident caused traffic disruption, initial reports indicated no injuries.
The Mankhurd accident, which took place around 8:30 am on Monday, saw the BEST bus veer off its lane and crash into the divider. Bhaskar Raosaheb Pande, who was reportedly standing near the divider, sustained grievous injuries and was declared dead on arrival at Rajawadi Hospital. The bus driver, Banvari Shriram Prasad Sharma (51), and conductor, Vaibhav Waghmare (41), were among those injured and received treatment at Rajawadi Hospital, with officials reporting their condition as stable. Additionally, at least eight other passengers were taken to Rajawadi and Shatabdi Hospitals for treatment.
Conflicting statements have emerged regarding the cause of the Mankhurd accident. The injured bus driver, Banwari Shriram Prasad Sharma, reportedly cited brake failure as the reason for the loss of control. However, initial investigations by BEST officials have not revealed any technical faults with the vehicle, leading to the possibility that driver error may have been a factor. Police have registered a case against the driver for causing death by negligence and rash driving and have arrested him. The BEST undertaking has stated that a preliminary investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the crash.
This Mankhurd incident is one of several serious accidents involving BEST buses in recent weeks. On July 10, a BEST bus in Andheri allegedly suffered a brake failure, resulting in a collision with 14 vehicles and injuring several people. Another incident on July 8 saw an electric BEST bus hit vehicles in Bhandup, causing injuries. In June, a BEST bus crash in Mumbai claimed the life of a 28-year-old delivery executive and injured others.
The fact that the Mankhurd bus was part of the BEST fleet but operated by a private wet-lease contractor has intensified concerns over the maintenance standards of these outsourced vehicles. According to reports, the BEST undertaking operates a significant number of wet-lease buses, and a substantial number have reported brake-related defects in recent months. This raises questions about the efficacy of oversight and maintenance protocols for these buses, which form a substantial portion of the public transport fleet.
The Borivali incident, which occurred later on Monday night, involved a BEST bus colliding with a road divider on SV Road. While details are still emerging, the accident contributed to traffic congestion in the area. The BEST administration had not issued an official statement regarding the Borivali incident at the time of reporting, but it underscored the troubled day for the city’s public transport service.
The series of accidents has prompted calls for a comprehensive safety audit of the entire BEST bus fleet, with a particular focus on the wet-lease operations. Safety advocates and commuters have expressed concern over the recurring nature of these incidents and the potential for further tragedies if stringent measures are not implemented. The Mumbai Traffic Police have been working to manage traffic flow at accident sites and restore normal movement, but the underlying issues of road safety and vehicle maintenance remain a pressing concern for the city’s millions of daily commuters.
The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking is the civic body that operates bus services in Mumbai and surrounding areas. It plays a crucial role in the daily commute of Mumbaikars, and any disruption or safety lapse in its services has a widespread impact. The ongoing investigations into these accidents are expected to shed light on the contributing factors, which may range from mechanical failures and inadequate maintenance to driver fatigue or errors. The outcomes of these probes will likely influence future safety regulations and operational procedures for public buses in the metropolis.
The Chenab Times News Desk