CM Devendra Fadnavis Expresses Grief as Six Die, 43 Injured in Devastating BEST Bus Accident in Kurla West

Mumbai -  Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident involving a BEST bus on SG Barve Road in Kurla West on Monday evening. The incident claimed six lives and left 43 others injured. Fadnavis extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished for a swift recovery of the injured.

Fadnavis also announced a financial aid of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased from the Chief Minister’s Aid Fund and assured that the treatment costs for the injured would be covered by the Mumbai Municipal Corporation and BEST.

The horrific accident occurred around 9:30 pm in the busy Kurla West market area, near the L Ward office and Anjuman-e-Islam School. A BEST air-conditioned electric bus, operating on Route No. A-332, reportedly lost control and plowed through at least 25 vehicles, injuring pedestrians and causing significant property damage. Eyewitnesses claimed that the driver, identified as Sanjay More, appeared to be intoxicated and was allegedly laughing as he sped through the area for approximately 500 meters before the bus finally came to a halt.

CCTV footage from the scene captured scenes of panic, with people screaming and running for their lives as the bus barreled through the crowded street. Local authorities, including police and BMC officials, were quick to respond, transporting the injured to Bhabha Hospital and nearby private clinics. Many of the injured remain in critical condition.

While initial reports suggest a possible brake failure, the driver's suspected intoxication has raised concerns. More has been arrested and booked on charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The investigation into the exact cause of the accident is ongoing.