Tragic Bus Accident in Mumbai Claims Four Lives
Shocking CCTV Footage of Mumbai Bus Incident
A harrowing CCTV recording has emerged from a bus accident in Mumbai, showing passengers standing by the roadside when a bus suddenly reversed, causing panic as people fled for safety. The tragic incident occurred on Monday night, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and leaving several others injured. The footage captured by a nearby textile shop's CCTV reveals people running in various directions as the bus struck them, with some getting caught under its wheels. This accident took place around 10 PM on the busy Station Road in suburban Bhandup (West). According to a police official, among the deceased were three women, while nine others sustained injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The bus driver has been detained, and a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed in connection with the incident.
Details of the Incident
Authorities indicated that the accident occurred as the driver was reversing the bus at the end of its route.
The CCTV footage from the scene captures the moment the bus ran over unsuspecting pedestrians. In the video, several passengers are seen standing by the road when the bus unexpectedly moves backward. As the vehicle approaches, people can be seen frantically trying to escape.
The clip also shows a man being struck by the bus's wheels, recorded by surveillance cameras at a clothing store near the accident site.
Driver Detained and FIR Filed
Law enforcement has confirmed that the bus driver is in custody, and an FIR is being registered against him. In a statement, Suchita Utale, a public relations officer for Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport, noted that the incident occurred outside Bhandup West railway station at approximately 10:05 PM. The bus was being operated by 52-year-old Santosh Ramesh Sawant, while 47-year-old Bhagwan Bhau Ghare was serving as the conductor at the time.
The midi bus involved in the accident was leased from Olectra Greentech. Officials explained that under the wet lease model adopted by BEST, the contractor or operator is responsible for the costs of fuel, driver wages, and bus maintenance.
Compensation Announced by Chief Minister
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a financial aid of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased. In a post on X, he described the incident as "extremely unfortunate" and paid heartfelt tributes to the victims. He also expressed his hopes for the swift recovery of the nine injured individuals.
The Chief Minister stated, "The state government will provide ₹5 lakh in financial assistance to the legal heirs of the deceased." Earlier this year, mini buses operating on crowded routes connecting Bhandup station to slum areas near Sanjay Gandhi National Park were removed from the BEST fleet.