Mumbai was shaken on Monday night when a tragic accident involving a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) bus claimed four lives and left nine others injured. The incident occurred at 10:05 pm outside Bhandup railway station, one of the city’s busiest suburban transit hubs, highlighting ongoing concerns over crowded roads and pedestrian safety.

What Happened

Preliminary reports indicate that the 52-year-old driver was attempting a U-turn to move the bus to the adjacent depot when he accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brakes. The bus reversed into a queue of passengers waiting at the station, causing immediate casualties. Four people, including three women and one man, lost their lives, while nine others sustained injuries.

The air-conditioned nine-metre Olectra bus was operating on a wet lease and running on the 606 Ring Road route between Nagardas Nagar and Bhandup station, a BEST spokesperson confirmed. The seriously injured were rushed to Fortis Hospital, and the bus driver has been taken into police custody for questioning.

Eyewitness Accounts and Hawker Encroachment

Eyewitnesses at the scene pointed to the role of footpath encroachment in exacerbating the tragedy. Many shopkeepers and street hawkers occupy the pavement near Bhandup station, forcing pedestrians to walk on the road, leaving them vulnerable to traffic.

Saimini Mudaliyar, a local pharmacist, noted that buses terminating at Bhandup frequently struggle to make U-turns because of heavy crowds and hawker encroachment. Bhagwandas, a sweet shop owner near the accident site, said local residents and shopkeepers rushed to help, offering water and first aid while contacting ambulances and the police.

The Bhandup police officer confirmed that the lane outside the railway station is one of the most congested in the suburb, particularly during late evenings when commuters, hawkers, and parked vehicles crowd the area.

Government Response

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the accident, describing it as “extremely unfortunate” and announcing financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased. He also wished for a speedy recovery for those injured in the incident.

Context and Previous Incidents

This incident marks the second serious accident involving BEST buses in consecutive Decembers. Last year, on December 9, 2024, a BEST bus in Kurla struck passengers, killing nine people and injuring 37 others. These repeated incidents have intensified calls for stricter traffic management, improved pedestrian safety, and better regulation of hawker activity in crowded areas.

Key Takeaways

1. Driver Error: Initial findings suggest the accident was caused by the driver pressing the accelerator instead of the brakes while attempting a U-turn.
2. Pedestrian Safety: The encroachment of footpaths by hawkers forced pedestrians onto the road, making them vulnerable to such accidents.
3. Community Response: Local shopkeepers played a critical role in providing immediate assistance, highlighting community involvement during emergencies.
4. Ongoing Concerns: The repeated occurrence of fatal accidents involving BEST buses raises questions about road safety measures, traffic management, and driver training in Mumbai’s congested suburban areas.

The Bhandup accident is a grim reminder of the risks faced by commuters in densely populated urban areas, particularly where footpaths are occupied and vehicles struggle to navigate tight spaces. Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause and to ensure accountability while addressing structural and regulatory challenges around crowded transit points.