Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 30: At least four people were killed and nine others sustained injuries after a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus lost control and hit pedestrians in Mumbai’s Bhandup area late Monday night, police said.

The tragic incident occurred around 10 pm when the bus was being reversed at the endpoint of its route. According to the Mumbai Police, the driver lost control of the vehicle, leading to the fatal accident.

All the injured persons were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment. The condition of some of the injured is stated to be serious.

Soon after the incident, a heavy police presence was deployed at the spot to control the situation and regulate traffic movement in the area. Senior police and civic officials rushed to the site along with emergency response teams.

At the time of the accident, the bus was being driven by BEST staff driver Santosh Ramesh Sawant (52), while Bhagwan Bhau Ghare (47) was on duty as the conductor.

Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the exact sequence of events that led to the mishap. Officials are probing whether mechanical failure, human error or other factors contributed to the accident.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the incident and announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister termed the incident “extremely unfortunate” and paid heartfelt tributes to the victims.

Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.