Kurla BEST Bus Accident: ‘Driver Should Be Punished Stringently’; Victims’ Kin Plead To CM Fadnavis

In a tragic incident on December 9, 2024, a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus lost control in Mumbai’s Kurla area, resulting in seven deaths and 49 injuries. The bus collided with multiple vehicles over a 100-meter stretch before crashing into the compound wall of the Solomon Building.

Eyewitnesses reported that the bus struck 22 vehicles during the incident.

Preliminary investigations suggest that in a moment of panic, the driver may have pressed the accelerator instead of the brake, leading to the catastrophic accident.

Relatives of the deceased are demanding stringent action against the driver. One grieving father, whose daughter was returning from work when she lost her life, pleaded, “I request the CM to look into this matter and take action… We want justice; the driver should be given stringent punishment.” Another mourner alleged administrative negligence, stating, “My mother lost her life in this accident… I have come to know that the driver joined on December 1 and he was not trained… This is the negligence of the administration.”

In response, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced immediate financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for each bereaved family and assured that the treatment costs for the injured would be covered by BEST and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

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The injured were transported to various hospitals, including Bhabha Hospital, Kohinoor Hospital, Seven Hills, City Hospital, and Habib Hospital. The critically injured are receiving intensive care, with authorities closely monitoring their conditions.