Witnesses recount the horror of the Kurla BEST bus accident that claimed seven lives and injured 42. Learn about the events, eyewitness accounts, and official updates.
Mumbai Kurla BEST Bus Horror: Eyewitnesses Recall Tragic Accident
A tragic accident in Mumbai’s Kurla West on Monday night left the city reeling as a BEST electric bus swerved uncontrollably for nearly 200 meters, wreaking havoc before crashing into a residential colony. The horrific incident claimed seven lives and left 42 others injured.
Eyewitnesses and residents described the chaos that unfolded, recounting scenes of devastation and heroic rescue efforts.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Kurla BEST Bus Accident
Zaid Ahmed, a 26-year-old resident of Kurla, was heading to the railway station when a deafening crash froze him in his tracks. “I ran to the spot and saw a BEST bus had hit pedestrians, an autorickshaw, three cars, and a police vehicle. I saw dead bodies in front of my eyes,” he said.
Ahmed described the bus swerving uncontrollably at high speed before coming to a halt after colliding with multiple vehicles. “We rescued passengers from the autorickshaw and took them to Bhabha Hospital in another three-wheeler,” he recounted, emphasizing the community’s swift action to assist the injured.
Another eyewitness, Zeeshan Ansari, was standing near Royal Sweets when he noticed the bus being driven rashly. “The bus entered Buddha Colony after crashing into vehicles and pedestrians. Many people were lying in a pool of blood. A crowd gathered and began moving the injured to hospitals,” Ansari shared.
Details of the Accident
The 12-meter-long electric bus, operating on route 332 from Kurla to Andheri, collided with multiple vehicles, including an autorickshaw and a police car, before crashing into a residential society. The bus, manufactured by Olectra, had been leased to BEST under a wet lease, with drivers provided by a private operator.
Officials from the Tardeo Regional Transport Office (RTO) confirmed that the bus was registered on August 20, 2024, in the name of EVEY Trans and was only three months old.
Death Toll and Injuries
The accident claimed seven lives, and 42 others were injured, some critically. The injured were rushed to Bhabha Hospital and other nearby medical facilities. Local residents and passersby played a critical role in the rescue efforts, providing immediate relief to the victims.
Investigations and Concerns
Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, with questions raised about the driver’s conduct and the maintenance of leased buses. The incident has sparked concerns over the safety of electric buses and the accountability of private operators providing drivers under wet lease agreements.
Community and Official Response
The incident has united the community in grief and action. Local residents, police, and medical personnel worked tirelessly to assist the victims. Officials have assured a thorough investigation to determine the cause and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
