Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 8: A 43-year-old pedestrian was injured after being struck by a reversing BEST bus, which later rammed into parked vehicles in Mumbai's Bhandup West area on Wednesday morning, officials said.

The accident occurred at around 8.30 am near Kokan Nagar.

According to officials, the injured man, identified as Atul Anant Padave (43), was hit by a BEST bus (No. 4047) operating on Route A-425/32 from the Oshiwara depot.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the bus was attempting to take a right turn towards Kokan Nagar but was unable to negotiate the turn. While reversing the vehicle, the rear portion of the bus struck the pedestrian.

Padave became trapped between a large tree planter and the rear of the bus. Members of the public rushed to his aid and attempted to free him by pushing the bus. During the rescue effort, the vehicle moved forward and the driver reportedly lost control.

The bus subsequently collided with two parked motorcycles and an autorickshaw in the parking area.

Padave sustained blunt injuries to both thighs and suffered bleeding. The bus conductor immediately shifted him to M.T. Agrawal Hospital in Mulund for treatment.

A special bus inspector and other BEST officials reached the spot to assess the situation, while the process of registering the case was initiated at the Bhandup Police Station.

Officials said further details regarding the victim's condition were awaited. Authorities are also examining the circumstances that led to the accident, including whether proper safety procedures were followed while reversing the bus.

The incident comes amid growing concerns over road safety following a series of accidents involving BEST buses in Mumbai.

In June, a BEST bus crashed into a car and a two-wheeler near Veer Kotwal Garden in Dadar West, killing a 28-year-old electric scooter rider and injuring six others. Police are continuing their investigation into that case.