Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 21: A pedestrian was killed and at least ten others suffered serious injuries after a BEST bus rammed into a roadside divider on the Sion-Panvel Highway in Mankhurd on Monday.
Among the injured were eight passengers travelling on the bus, along with the driver and the conductor. Most of the victims sustained fractures and were admitted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The deceased was identified as Bhaskar Raosaheb Kagade (65), a farmer from Maharashtra's Osmanabad district. Kagade had travelled to Mumbai to visit one of his daughters and attend a family function. He was reportedly struck by the bus while preparing to leave for Pune to meet another daughter.
He is survived by his wife, a son, three daughters, a daughter-in-law and several grandchildren.
Expressing grief over the incident, Kagade's son-in-law, Sachin Pawar, questioned the recurring accidents on the stretch, saying several mishaps had already taken place at the same location and stronger safety measures were urgently needed.
The bus driver, Banvari Shriram Prasad Sharma (51), sustained minor head injuries, while conductor Vaibhav Waghmare suffered head injuries along with multiple fractures. Both are undergoing treatment at Rajawadi Hospital.
The injured passengers were taken to Shatabdi Hospital in Govandi. Hospital authorities said seven of the eight passengers admitted there had fractures and would require prolonged medical care. One critically injured patient, who suffered a hand fracture and nerve compression, was later referred to Sion Hospital for specialised treatment.
Among the injured was Lata Waghela (42), a Mankhurd resident who was travelling to Vashi market to purchase fruits and vegetables for her daily business as a street vendor. Her family said she suffered a fracture and was also experiencing chest pain, raising concerns about both her recovery and loss of livelihood.
Another passenger, Ankita Jadhav (22), escaped with minor injuries. Her mother, Surekha Jadhav, said the family was relieved that the injuries were not more severe but stressed that commuters should not have to face such preventable dangers during their daily travel.
The accident has once again raised concerns over road safety and the need for stronger measures to prevent recurring crashes on the busy Sion-Panvel Highway.