In a tragic incident outside Bhandup railway station in Mumbai, a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) bus reversed into a crowd of people waiting at the bus stop, killing four and injuring nine others. The accident occurred at around 10:05 pm on Monday, and CCTV footage from a nearby shop has now gone viral, capturing the chaos and panic as people scrambled for safety.

According to initial reports, the driver of the bus was attempting to take a U-turn to access the adjacent bus depot. In what authorities suspect was an error, he pressed the accelerator instead of the brakes, causing the bus to lunge forward into the crowd. The viral footage shows pedestrians frantically running into a shop as the vehicle approaches, highlighting the suddenness and severity of the accident.

Casualties and Victims

Among the deceased are three women and one man. Early reports identified the victims as Pranita Rasam, Prashant Shinde, and Mansi Gurav. The nine injured individuals have been hospitalized and are receiving medical attention, with authorities monitoring their condition closely.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the accident was partly exacerbated by encroachment on the footpath by hawkers. Pedestrians, including those waiting for buses, were forced to stand on the road, increasing their vulnerability to passing vehicles. “I heard a loud crash and saw people lying injured on the road. The bus was badly damaged at the front,” said one eyewitness to PTI. Several others noted that buses in the area often struggle to make U-turns due to congestion caused by footpath encroachments.

Immediate Response and Investigation

Local police and a forensic team reached the site soon after the accident. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Hemraj Singh Rajput confirmed that the bus driver has been taken into custody for questioning. The vehicle is also undergoing inspection to determine if any mechanical or technical faults contributed to the accident. Investigators are examining all aspects, including driver error and road conditions, to establish the cause.

Balasaheb Pawar, a senior police inspector, stated that the probe is ongoing and that all possible leads are being explored. Police have also urged witnesses to come forward to provide any additional footage or information that may aid in the investigation.

Public and Political Reactions

The incident has sparked widespread grief and condemnation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, emphasizing the need for road safety and caution in densely populated areas. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the accident as “extremely unfortunate” and announced ex-gratia assistance of ₹5 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives.

Local residents and commuters have voiced concerns over recurring traffic issues and pedestrian safety near Bhandup station. Many pointed out that the combination of heavy foot traffic, narrow roads, and encroachment by hawkers increases the risk of accidents.

Safety Concerns and Broader Implications

The tragedy underscores persistent road safety challenges in Mumbai, particularly in busy suburban areas. BEST buses, which serve millions of commuters daily, operate in areas with high congestion, where minor errors can lead to fatal consequences. The incident also raises questions about traffic management, pedestrian infrastructure, and the enforcement of regulations to prevent encroachment.

Authorities are reviewing measures to improve safety, including stricter monitoring of bus routes, better traffic signage, and dedicated pedestrian pathways to prevent overcrowding on roads. Advocates for urban safety have also highlighted the importance of regular training and vigilance for public transport drivers to prevent accidents caused by errors such as misapplication of accelerator and brake pedals.

Community Response

In the aftermath of the accident, local shop owners and residents were among the first to assist victims. Eyewitnesses reported that they helped pull injured individuals from under the bus, provided first aid, and called emergency services. The community’s swift response, while unable to prevent fatalities, helped stabilize some of the injured and allowed medical personnel to reach them quickly.

Conclusion

The Mumbai BEST bus accident outside Bhandup railway station serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by pedestrians and commuters in high-traffic urban areas. With four lives lost and nine people injured, the incident has sparked grief, anger, and calls for improved road safety measures. Authorities continue to investigate the causes, focusing on driver error, vehicular condition, and the role of infrastructure and encroachments in exacerbating the accident.

As the city mourns the victims, this tragedy highlights the urgent need for enhanced pedestrian safety, better traffic management, and stricter enforcement of road regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future. The viral CCTV footage serves not only as a record of the harrowing event but also as a warning about the vulnerability of commuters in crowded urban spaces and the critical importance of road safety awareness.