Mankhurd BEST Bus Crash Kills 1, Injures 10

A tragic accident occurred on the Sion-Panvel Highway at Mankhurd on Monday morning, resulting in the death of a 62-year-old pedestrian and injuring at least 10 people, including the driver and conductor. The non-AC CNG bus, operated by Mateshwari Urban Transport Solutions Pvt Ltd, was travelling from Kurla (East) Bus Station to Airoli when the accident occurred around 8:30 am.

According to officials, the driver claimed that the brakes failed while the bus was descending the Mankhurd bridge, causing him to lose control. The bus subsequently rammed into the bridge railing and divider, striking Bhaskar Raosaheb Kagde, who was standing on the bridge, and killing him on the spot.

The injured passengers, including the driver and conductor, were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Passenger Ganesh Patel is stated to be in critical condition. The police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash and verify the driver's brake-failure claim.

A preliminary inspection by BEST found no technical defect in the bus, and no mechanical complaint had been recorded for the vehicle since July 19. However, BEST has issued a show-cause notice to Mateshwari Urban Transport Solutions and imposed a ₹50,000 penalty.

The damaged bus has been kept at Mankhurd police station for a detailed technical examination. The incident has revived concerns over maintenance and safety standards in BEST's wet-lease fleet, following a series of incidents involving alleged brake failures, fires, breakdowns, and technical faults.

BEST committee member Ajay Singh had earlier raised concerns over the maintenance of contractor-operated buses and written to the administration. He called for regular maintenance and strict inspections, saying passenger safety could not be compromised.

The incident is expected to intensify demands for stricter monitoring of wet-lease operators, stronger safety measures, and better maintenance of buses. The safety of passengers is a top priority, and the authorities must take immediate action to address these concerns.

The Mankhurd bus accident is a stark reminder of the need for improved safety standards in public transportation. The incident has caused concern among commuters, who demand safer and more reliable bus services.

In recent months, there have been several incidents involving BEST buses, including brake failures, accidents, and technical faults. The authorities must take a closer look at the maintenance and safety protocols in place and make necessary improvements to prevent such incidents in the future.

The investigation into the Mankhurd bus accident is ongoing, and the authorities are working to determine the cause of the crash. The incident has highlighted the need for stricter safety measures and better maintenance of buses, and the authorities must take immediate action to address these concerns.

In conclusion, the Mankhurd bus accident is a tragic reminder of the need for improved safety standards in public transportation. The authorities must take immediate action to address the concerns raised by this incident and ensure that passengers can travel safely and reliably.

The incident has significant implications for the safety of passengers in Mumbai, and the authorities must take a proactive approach to preventing such incidents in the future. The safety of commuters is a top priority, and the authorities must work to ensure that public transportation is safe and reliable.

The Mankhurd bus accident is a wake-up call for the authorities to take a closer look at the safety protocols in place and make necessary improvements. The incident has caused concern among commuters, and the authorities must take immediate action to address these concerns and prevent such incidents in the future.