Bhandup: BEST Bus Mows Down Commuters, 4 Dead
Driver loses control during U-turn near Bhandup station; nine injured as crowded roadside turns into death trap
- Four passengers, including three women, were killed outside Bhandup railway station
- Nine others were injured; several are undergoing treatment at Fortis Hospital
- Preliminary probe says driver hit accelerator instead of brake during U-turn
- Maharashtra CM announces ₹5 lakh ex-gratia for families of the deceased
GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 30th Dec: Four people were killed and nine others sustained injuries after a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus rammed into a queue of passengers outside Bhandup railway station late Monday night, triggering panic in the crowded locality.
The accident occurred around 10:05 pm when the air-conditioned nine-metre Olectra bus was attempting a U-turn towards the nearby bus depot. According to preliminary police findings, the 52-year-old driver mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake, causing the bus to reverse violently into waiting commuters.
Police confirmed that three women and one man died on the spot, while nine injured passengers were rushed to Fortis Hospital for treatment. The driver has been taken into custody and an investigation has been initiated.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the incident “extremely unfortunate” and announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹5 lakh each to the families of the deceased. He also wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
The bus was operating on the 606 Ring Road route between Nagardas Nagar and Bhandup station. Local shopkeepers were among the first responders, providing water and shelter to victims before ambulances arrived.
Police officials said the stretch outside Bhandup station remains heavily congested due to hawker encroachments, forcing pedestrians to walk on the road. Eyewitnesses blamed overcrowding and poor space management for worsening commuter safety risks.
The tragedy has revived concerns over safety protocols of civic transport services. Notably, this is the second major BEST-related fatal accident in December in as many years, following a similar crash in Kurla last year that claimed nine lives.
