BEST Bus Hit Pedestrians In Mumbai's Bhandup West, 4 Killed, 9 Others Injured

Mumbai: A horrific accident at Mumbai's Bhandup West area on Monday night left 4 people dead and 9 others injured, after a BEST bus hit multiple people at a bus stop. According to reports, a BEST bus, reportedly reversing at the time, crashed into a group of pedestrians waiting at the bus station, leading to the tragedy. The accident occurred around 10.05 pm near the Bhandup station, a busy area with heavy pedestrian traffic. 

On receiving information, the local police and the Mumbai Fire Brigade immediately rushed to the site and shifted the victims to nearby hospitals for treatment. Reports suggested that a few injured persons received critical injuries during the accident and are under the doctor's observation. The bus driver has been taken into custody, and an investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the accident.

As per reports, the bus, an electric model, was reportedly reversing when it lost control and crashed into the pedestrians. The accident left multiple people critically injured, with some people trapped under the bus. "It was like a nightmare," said a person present at the site. 

The police stated that the two women and two men were killed in the accident, while 9 others were injured, including eight men and one woman. The deceased include a 31-year-old woman and a 51-year-old man Prashant Lad, who was admitted to Rajawadi Hospital in critical condition. The injured are being treated at various hospitals across the city.

The police have launched an investigation into the accident, focusing on the driver's competence and possible negligence. The BEST authorities have assured cooperation with the investigation. "The BEST bus involved in the crash will be inspected to check for any mechanical and technical faults, and the actual reason for the crash will be determined after a thorough investigation," said DCP Hemraj Singh Rajput.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his grief over the loss of lives and announced ex-gratia to the families of the victims. In a post on X, the CM said, "The tragic incident in which 4 people lost their lives in a fatal accident near Bhandup railway station in Mumbai is extremely unfortunate. I pay my heartfelt tribute to them. In this incident, 9 people were injured, and I pray at the feet of God for their speedy recovery. The state government will provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of the deceased."

Last year, a similar accident in Kurla killed 7 people and injured 42 others. 

Further details regarding the deadly accident are awaited.