Seven passengers sustained injuries after a BEST electric bus collided with a road divider in Mumbai’s Powai area on Thursday morning. The incident occurred around 11:05 am near Powai Vihar Sankul as the bus, operating on Route A-422/36 from Vikhroli Depot to Bandra Bus Station (West), veered towards the right and struck the divider.
The injured passengers were promptly taken to Paramount Hospital in Sakinaka for medical attention. According to an initial statement from the bus driver, his attention was diverted by a car approaching from the left side, causing the vehicle to swerve.
An inquiry into the accident has been initiated by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking. This incident marks the third significant accident involving a BEST bus in Mumbai within the week, raising fresh concerns about road safety and public transport operations in the city.
Earlier this week, on July 20, a BEST bus operating under a wet lease crashed into a divider on the Sion-Panvel Highway in Mankhurd, resulting in the death of a pedestrian and injuries to ten others. The driver in that incident reportedly cited brake failure.
Prior to that, on July 10, a BEST bus rammed into 14 vehicles in Mumbai’s Andheri area, leaving eight individuals injured. Another incident on July 8 involved an electric BEST bus hitting vehicles in the Bhandup area, causing injuries to one person.
The recurring accidents have prompted investigations into the operational safety of BEST buses, including considerations of driver training, vehicle maintenance, and the protocols for wet-lease operations. Officials have stated that the nature and extent of the injuries sustained in the Powai accident were not immediately disclosed but confirmed that medical attention was provided.
The Chenab Times News Desk