MUMBAI, December 30 — Four people were killed and nine severely injured Monday night when a reversing Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus struck pedestrians outside Bhandup railway station. The driver has been taken into police custody as authorities launch an investigation into the fatal accident.
What are the key details of the accident?
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 10:03 PM on Monday outside Bhandup suburban railway station. A Wetlease Olectra midi bus, operating on route A-606 from the Vikhroli depot, reversed into pedestrians. Police, fire brigade, BEST officials, and ambulances were dispatched to the scene. Senior Police Inspector Balasaheb Pawar confirmed his team rushed the injured to hospitals immediately.
🚨 Tragedy in Mumbai: BEST Bus Reverses, Crushes 3 to Death!
• Electric bus hit passengers at Bhandup bus stop while reversing
• At least 3 dead, 5-6 injured in late-night incident#MumbaiAccident #BESTBus pic.twitter.com/bZW5TUEBQC— Lucifer ଲୁସିଫର୍ (@krishnakamal077) December 29, 2025
Who has been held responsible?
The 52-year-old bus driver, Santosh Ramesh Sawant, has been taken into police custody following the accident. A BEST official confirmed to Hindustan Times that the bus conductor, Bhagwan Bhau Ghare, was also aboard the vehicle at the time. The police investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause.
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What has been the political response?
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the incident “extremely unfortunate” on social media platform X and announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh each for the families of the deceased. Mumbai Congress president and Lok Sabha MP Varsha Gaikwad demanded an inquiry, criticizing the wet-leasing model and stating the BEST system has been “deliberately weakened.”
मुंबईतील भांडूप रेल्वे स्थानकानजीक झालेल्या एका दुर्दैवी अपघातात 4 जणांचा मृत्यू झाल्याची घटना अतिशय दुर्दैवी आहे. मी त्यांना भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली अर्पण करतो.
या घटनेत 9 जण जखमी झाले असून त्यांना लवकर बरे वाटावे, अशी मी ईश्वरचरणी प्रार्थना करतो.
मृतांच्या वारसांना 5 लाख रुपये…— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) December 29, 2025
Are there known operational issues with these buses?
Reports indicate potential systemic factors. Despite operational constraints like an inadequate turning radius, BEST introduced Olectra-made midi buses on routes from Bhandup (West) station due to a shortage of buses, according to a PTI report quoting an official. This context is likely to be part of the broader investigation into the tragedy.
FAQs:
Q: What was the bus route and type?
A: It was a Wetlease Olectra midi bus running on route number A-606, attached to the Vikhroli depot.
Q: How many people were hurt?
A: Apart from the four fatalities, nine individuals were reported as severely injured.
Q: What compensation has been announced?
A: Ex-gratia payments of ₹5 lakh were declared by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for each victim’s family.
Q: What is the ‘wet-leasing model’ cited by the MP?
A: Buses, drivers, and maintenance are provided by private contractors to public transportation projects under this approach, which detractors claim diminishes direct management and responsibility.
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