A late-night commute turned tragic in Mumbai’s Bhandup area on Monday when a BEST bus struck pedestrians near the railway station, killing four people and injuring nine others. The incident unfolded around 10 pm on Station Road, a stretch known for heavy foot traffic and limited space for vehicles to manoeuvre.

The victims were among a group of commuters standing along the roadside, many of them waiting for buses outside nearby shops. CCTV footage from a local textile store shows the bus suddenly moving backwards, causing panic among those gathered. As people attempted to flee, several were knocked down, with some trapped beneath the vehicle before help arrived.

Police said the bus was at the endpoint of its route and was being repositioned when the accident occurred. Initial investigations suggest the driver lost control while reversing. In his statement, the driver claimed the incident was linked to an error made during a shift change. He told investigators that the hand brake had allegedly been left in drive mode instead of neutral by the previous driver, causing the bus to surge when he attempted to start it.

Four Dead, Several Injured

Twelve people were hit in the impact and were taken to hospitals in Mulund and Ghatkopar. Doctors later confirmed that four of them three women and one man had succumbed to their injuries. The remaining victims continue to receive treatment.

Santosh Ramesh Sawant, 52, who was driving the bus at the time, was taken into custody soon after the crash, and a First Information Report was registered. Police officials said he is a permanent employee of BEST and not a contractual driver. Authorities also stated that there were no immediate signs of intoxication. The bus has been sent for a mechanical inspection, and the previous driver will be questioned as part of the ongoing probe.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes moments after the accident. Some locals rushed to pull victims out from under the bus, while shopkeepers offered shelter and water to the injured until ambulances arrived. Police personnel were deployed in large numbers to control traffic and secure the area.

Residents and traders pointed to long-standing congestion issues near the station. Hawkers occupy much of the footpath, forcing pedestrians onto the road, while buses struggle to turn or reverse in the narrow lane, particularly during peak evening hours.

The bus involved was a nine-metre, air-conditioned Olectra midi bus operating on the 606 Ring Road route between Nagardas Nagar and Bhandup station. It was running under a wet-lease arrangement, under which the contractor is responsible for fuel, drivers, and maintenance. The vehicle had been sourced from Olectra Greentech.

Concerns have resurfaced over the deployment of midi buses in Bhandup. Earlier this year, smaller buses were removed from certain crowded routes due to operational difficulties, but were later brought back because of fleet shortages, despite officials acknowledging challenges such as inadequate turning space.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for each family that lost a loved one. Expressing grief, he described the incident as “extremely unfortunate” and extended his condolences.
“The tragic incident in which 4 people lost their lives in a fatal accident near Bhandup railway station in Mumbai is extremely unfortunate. I pay my heartfelt tribute to them. In this incident, 9 people were injured, and I pray at the feet of God for their speedy recovery.”

The Bhandup tragedy comes just a year after another fatal BEST bus accident in Kurla, highlighting recurring concerns around safety and congestion in Mumbai’s public transport system.