BEST Bus Crash Injures 8 in Andheri

A major accident occurred in Andheri on Friday afternoon when a wet-lease BEST bus lost control and crashed into 14 vehicles, leaving around 8 people injured. The incident took place at around 4:15 pm on S V Road near the Andheri subway.

The bus, which was operating on route 242 from Millat Nagar to Andheri bus station (West), was travelling at a speed of around 25-30 kmph when the driver, Sahil Suryakant Sawant, lost control of the vehicle. According to Sawant, the bus's brakes failed to respond initially, and then the brake pedal sank all the way down, causing the accident.

The damaged vehicles, including 9 auto-rickshaws, 4 cars, and a three-wheeler tempo, were scattered along the busy stretch, disrupting traffic and triggering panic. The injured were rushed to Cooper Hospital and nearby private hospitals for treatment.

One of the injured, Santlal Yadav, 53, was taken to Cooper Hospital with a head injury and multiple abrasions on his body. He was referred for surgery but left the casualty ward without informing hospital staff. A woman pedestrian, Dr Sakshi, 33, was also among the injured and her statement has been recorded as part of the case.

The D N Nagar police have booked the driver, Sahil Suryakant Sawant, and conductor Kiran Appa Chawan, both employed by the wet-lease operator Mateshwari, for rash and negligent driving. BEST officials, including senior transport and depot officers, reached the accident site to assess the situation and coordinate rescue and traffic restoration efforts.

This incident is the latest in a series of accidents involving wet-lease BEST buses. In June, a similar accident occurred in Dadar, resulting in the loss of one life. The investigation report into that accident has not yet been released.

The recurring accidents involving wet-lease BEST buses have raised concerns about the safety of these vehicles. The Bombay High Court has also recently enhanced the award for motor accident compensation, emphasizing the need for stricter safety measures.

The Andheri bus crash has once again highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety of public transport vehicles. The authorities must take immediate action to address the issue and prevent such accidents from occurring in the future.

In the meantime, the police are investigating the cause of the accident and gathering further details. The incident has disrupted traffic in the area, and commuters are advised to take alternative routes to avoid congestion.

The safety of commuters is a top priority, and the authorities must take all necessary measures to prevent such accidents from occurring. The incident is a reminder of the need for stricter safety measures and regular maintenance of public transport vehicles.

In conclusion, the BEST bus crash in Andheri is a serious incident that has raised concerns about the safety of public transport vehicles. The authorities must take immediate action to address the issue and prevent such accidents from occurring in the future. The incident is a reminder of the need for stricter safety measures and regular maintenance of public transport vehicles to ensure the safety of commuters.