Mumbai, December 30, 2025 — A tragic accident involving a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus has left at least four people dead and nine or more injured in the busy Bhandup (West) area of Mumbai on Monday night. The incident took place near the Bhandup railway station at around 10 pm, causing shock and grief across the local community.
According to preliminary police reports, the BEST electric bus—operating on the 606 Ring Road route and wet-leased from Olectra Greentech—was attempting a U-turn near the station when it suddenly accelerated instead of braking, crashing into a queue of people waiting to board. Four pedestrians, including three women and one man, died at the scene. At least nine others were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals, with some reported in serious condition.
Driver Detained, Authorities Respond
Police detained the 52-year-old driver, Santosh Ramesh Sawant, for questioning soon after the accident. Emergency responders including the Mumbai Police, Fire Brigade, BEST staff, and ambulance services reached the site quickly to control the situation, assist the injured, and manage traffic around the chaotic area.
Local shopkeepers and bystanders were among the first to help the victims before official help arrived, tending to the injured and contacting their families. The bus had reportedly climbed onto the footpath as it rammed into pedestrians, intensifying the tragedy.
Factors Under Investigation
Preliminary investigations suggest the driver may have mistakenly hit the accelerator while trying to negotiate the sharp U-turn into the adjacent bus depot. This aligns with witness accounts describing how the bus mounted the pavement where commuters were queued.
Several eyewitnesses have also pointed to footpath congestion caused by hawkers and encroachments, which they say forces pedestrians onto the road and increases the risk of such accidents. Officials are expected to investigate whether road design, bus scheduling, or inadequate space for manoeuvering contributed to the crash.
CCTV Footage and Public Reaction
CCTV footage circulating on social media captured the horrific moment the bus reversed into the crowd, prompting panic and desperate attempts by commuters to escape. The visuals have sparked discussions about public transport safety and infrastructure planning along busy suburban streets.
Public reaction has been strong, with calls for better crowd management around major transit hubs and stricter enforcement against encroachments that narrow pedestrian paths and impede safe movement. Local residents and commuters have decried the lack of adequate bus turnaround space outside the station.
Government Response and Compensation
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called the incident “extremely unfortunate” and announced ₹5 lakh in financial assistance for the families of those who lost their lives. He also prayed for the recovery of the injured.
Political leaders and civic officials have emphasised the need for a thorough investigation into both the immediate cause and the broader systemic issues that may have contributed, including bus deployment practices and urban pedestrian safety.
A Pattern of Concern
This accident comes just over a year after another deadly BEST bus crash in Kurla in December 2024, which killed several people and injured many others. The recurrence of fatal incidents involving buses has reignited debate over driver training standards, vehicle design, traffic management, and space allocation for public transport operations in crowded city neighbourhoods.
Looking Ahead
Police have registered an FIR and are continuing their probe into the circumstances surrounding the collision. The driver remains in custody as investigators gather evidence, including statements from witnesses, CCTV footage, and technical data from the vehicle. Authorities may also look into whether driver fatigue, training gaps, or mechanical issues played a role.
As the city mourns the loss of life, the incident highlights persistent challenges associated with dense urban transport environments, calling for urgent action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
