The tragic BEST bus accident in Mumbai's Kurla (West) has claimed seven lives, leaving seven others critically injured, while 42 more continue to receive medical treatment at various hospitals, including Bhabha Hospital, Sion Hospital, and Seven Hills Hospital.
The incident occurred when the bus, driven by 50-year-old Sanjay More, veered out of control, ramming into pedestrians and multiple vehicles over a 100-meter stretch before crashing into the compound wall of the Solomon Building.
Key Developments in the Case
1. Driver's Arrest and Charges:
Sanjay More, the driver, was arrested and remanded to police custody until December 21. He faces charges under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.
2. Lack of EV Driving Experience:
Investigations revealed that More had minimal experience driving electric buses, having undergone only ten days of training. He confessed to the police that he struggled to control the automatic EV due to insufficient familiarity.
3. Alcohol Test and Mental State:
Preliminary medical reports indicated that More was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Police confirmed that he was mentally alert during questioning, contradicting earlier eyewitness accounts that alleged he was inebriated.
4. Mechanical Examination:
Forensic experts and Regional Transport Officers are examining the 12-meter-long bus involved in the accident to identify potential mechanical failures that might have contributed to the mishap.
5. BEST's Response:
BEST has formed a committee led by Chief Manager (Transport) Ramesh Madavi to investigate the accident. The agency announced ?2 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and pledged to cover medical expenses for the injured.
6. Political Reactions and Demands:
A BJP delegation met BEST General Manager Anil Diggikar, demanding ?10 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and financial support between ?50,000 and ?2 lakh for the injured. They criticized BEST?s decision to hire buses on a wet-lease model, under which private contractors provide vehicles, drivers, and maintenance.
Current Status of the Injured
Seven individuals remain in critical condition, while four injured police personnel are reportedly stable.
The devastating accident has raised questions about safety protocols, driver training, and the growing reliance on outsourced transportation services, sparking demands for accountability and systemic reforms.
