Bus rams into crowd in India’s financial hub (VIDEO)
At least seven people were killed and over 40 injured when a driver lost control in Mumbai
At least seven people have been killed and 40 injured when a city bus plowed into a crowd in Mumbai on Monday night. The tragedy involving both pedestrians and vehicles happened in the busy area of Kurla in India’s financial capital. The injured are undergoing treatment according to local media, while the driver has been arrested and will appear in court.
The electric bus, operated by the state-owned Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST), swerved over a stretch of 200 meters, ramming into passers-by and colliding with around 30 vehicles before crashing into a residential building column.
An initial investigation indicated the bus accelerated after the driver, identified as Sanjay More, lost control. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with several vehicles and people being dragged along the road. Disturbing videos circulating on social media show the bus speeding uncontrollably and hitting other vehicles, with some people managing to leap out of its path.
“I ran to the spot and saw a BEST bus had hit pedestrians and other vehicles, including an autorickshaw and three cars. I saw some dead bodies in front of my eyes,” local resident Zaid Ahmed told the PTI news agency.
Caught on Camera: Final Moments Before Mumbai Bus Accident That Killed 6#BESTBus #Mumbaiaccident pic.twitter.com/88ayRNIkU9
— Republic (@republic) December 10, 2024
#WATCH | Mumbai: 3 people died and 20 injured after an intracity bus going from Kurla to Andheri crushed several vehicles and people on the road. https://t.co/Jsg7RWPghN pic.twitter.com/LxduF025Ro
— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2024
Rescue operations got underway swiftly, with emergency personnel and local residents pitching in to bring the injured to nearby hospitals. Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the driver’s loss of control, examining factors such as a potential mechanical problem and his actions beforehand. According to Lokmat Times, preliminary reports suggest brake failure may have been responsible.
3 Dead, 29 injured as BEST Electric bus loses control & runs over pedestrian & other vehicles near Kurla railway station in Mumbai.#BusAccident #KurlaBusAccident #kurla pic.twitter.com/9f2pyRGQuP
— Mrutyunjaya Swain ???????? (@Mrutyunjayaswa9) December 9, 2024
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced financial assistance from the state relief fund for the families of those who lost their lives in the bus crash. Fadnavis also confirmed that the municipal corporation, along with BEST, would cover the medical expenses for all the injured victims, according to the Indian Express.
The vehicle was reportedly leased by BEST from the manufacturer Olectra Greentech just a few months ago.