Mumbai — A tragic bus accident in the Bhandup area of Mumbai on Monday evening has claimed the lives of four people and left nine others injured. Eyewitness accounts point to a critical factor contributing to the incident: the encroachment of sidewalks by hawkers, which forced pedestrians onto the road.
The accident occurred near Bhandup railway station, an area known for its heavy congestion, between 9:35 pm and 9:45 pm. According to Saimini Mudaliyar, a local pharmacist and eyewitness, the area outside the station is consistently crowded, especially in the evenings, due to the presence of numerous hawkers occupying the footpaths. The availability of vegetables at lower prices attracts large crowds, further exacerbating the problem and leaving pedestrians with no choice but to walk on the road.
Mudaliyar recounted the horrifying scene, "I was standing at a nearby bus stop waiting for my bus when I heard a loud thud. The next moment, I saw people being thrown off and the bus came to a halt a little ahead". She further described the immediate aftermath, stating that people rushed to lift and push the stationary vehicle, indicating that several individuals were trapped underneath. Approaching the bus, she witnessed a grim scene of blood and multiple fatalities, with some victims sustaining severe injuries. "One person's head was smashed, as if the bus had run over it, while another had an injury near the thigh," she told PTI.
The eyewitness also highlighted the difficulties faced by buses terminating at Bhandup station when attempting to make U-turns outside the railway station due to the hawkers and heavy crowds during late evenings.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Hemaraj Rajput confirmed that the casualties included pedestrians who were on their way home. He stated that the four deceased included three women and that the nine injured individuals were immediately taken to nearby hospitals. Rajput assured that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted, examining all possible angles, including the condition of the bus and the possibility of the driver being under the influence of alcohol.
Following the accident, local shopkeepers in the busy area closed their businesses, and a significant police presence remained at the site until the early hours of the morning. A forensic team was also deployed to collect samples from the area.
Mudaliyar noted that this was not an isolated incident, referencing a similar accident involving a BEST electric bus in Kurla last year that resulted in nine fatalities. She urged for a thorough investigation into the repeated occurrences, emphasizing the need to understand why innocent citizens are suffering.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed his condolences following the tragic accident. Authorities have stated that their immediate priority is to provide assistance to the injured and support to the families of the deceased. The incident has once again brought to light the ongoing issue of encroachment and the urgent need for better management of public spaces to ensure the safety of pedestrians in Mumbai.
