4 Dead, 10 Injured as BEST Bus Reverses into Pedestrians in Mumbai

MUMBAI: A reversing BEST bus knocked down pedestrians late Monday night near Station Road in Bhandup West, leaving four people dead and ten others injured. The incident occurred around 10.05 pm as the bus moved backward and reportedly struck people waiting around the bus stop. Emergency services were dispatched immediately to the scene, and the injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The bus driver was detained by police shortly after the crash as investigators began piecing together the sequence of events. Police and forensic teams, along with the Mumbai Fire Brigade, BEST Undertaking personnel, and 108 ambulance teams, worked to secure the area and assist the victims. Details of the deceased and the extent of injuries were being updated as hospitals treated patients.

The bus involved in the incident is an electric midi bus leased under a wet-lease model from Olectra Greentech. Early information suggests the vehicle was being operated by a contractor under BEST, with questions now turning to safety protocols around reverse movements in busy areas and the adequacy of pedestrian safeguards near bus stops.

Officials noted that this is a grave reminder of the dangers posed by reversing buses in crowded urban spaces. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether driver actions, vehicle systems, or other factors contributed to the tragedy, and further updates are expected as forensic and police teams continue their work.

Public safety advocates are calling for a review of reverse-vehicle procedures, stop placement, and driver training to prevent future incidents, especially in dense neighborhoods with high foot traffic. Residents and commuters expressed their condolences to the victims and urged transparency from authorities as the inquiry progresses.

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