Six Dead, 49 Injured in Tragic BEST Bus Accident in Mumbai’s Kurla West
Mumbai, December 10: In a horrific accident late Monday night, a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus crashed into pedestrians and multiple vehicles in Mumbai’s Kurla West area, leaving at least six people dead and 49 others injured. The accident has shocked the city and raised concerns over road safety and traffic management in congested areas.
The incident occurred near the crowded Kurla railway station when the driver of a BEST bus on route 332 reportedly lost control of the vehicle. According to the police, the out-of-control bus rammed into a stretch of 30-40 vehicles, including cars, autorickshaws, and two-wheelers, before slamming into the wall of a nearby residential society.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the bus plowed through the busy street during peak evening hours. “It was like a scene from a disaster movie. Vehicles were overturned, and people were screaming and running for their lives,” said a local resident who witnessed the accident.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, with police, fire brigade, and ambulances working together to rescue victims and transport the injured to nearby hospitals, including Bhabha Hospital and Rajawadi Hospital. Of the 49 injured, several are reported to be in critical condition.
Mumbai Police have launched an investigation into the accident. Preliminary findings suggest that brake failure or driver error could have caused the crash, though mechanical inspection and witness statements are being closely examined.
In response to the tragedy, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for each victim’s family. He also assured that the injured would receive free treatment and that a high-level inquiry would be conducted to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Kurla West area is known for its heavy traffic congestion and narrow roads, which locals say pose a constant risk. “This is not the first accident in this area. Authorities need to take measures to decongest the roads and ensure better traffic management,” said a shopkeeper near the site of the accident.
BEST, which operates Mumbai’s public bus services, stated that they are cooperating with the police investigation and will review their safety protocols for drivers and vehicle maintenance.
This tragic accident has sparked fresh debates about urban road safety and the condition of public transport vehicles in one of India’s busiest cities.