A chaotic traffic incident occurred in Mumbai on Monday night, resulting in multiple injuries after an app-based BEST Chalo bus lost control at Lodha Junction in Wadala. The collision, which took place at approximately 8:30 pm, involved the bus striking two cars that were waiting at a traffic signal. According to local authorities, the impact crushed the two vehicles—a Hyundai Creta and a Maruti Ertiga—against another stationary BEST bus located in front of them.
Emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene shortly after the accident was reported via a call to the 100 helpline. Traffic on the busy thoroughfare was temporarily halted to facilitate rescue operations, during which police and emergency personnel extracted the occupants from the heavily damaged cars. The area was cleared about an hour later, with a crane used to remove the damaged vehicles from the road, eventually allowing normal traffic flow to resume.
Five individuals were transported to Sion Hospital for medical treatment following the crash. Police confirmed that two of the injured, identified as 63-year-old Shivani Pal and 33-year-old Hassan Shaikh, sustained head injuries and are currently in critical condition. Other victims included 75-year-old Ganesh Indrapal, who suffered injuries to his head and chest, as well as 37-year-old Balaji Pandurang and 28-year-old Madhu Pal, both of whom sustained injuries to their hands. A pet dog involved in the accident was also taken to the hospital for care.
The Wadala Truck Terminal police station has initiated legal proceedings against the driver involved. DCP Mahendra Pandit confirmed that the driver has been taken into custody and the bus has been seized for further inspection. Officials are now conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the bus losing control. This inquiry aims to ascertain whether the incident was the result of a mechanical failure, such as malfunctioning brakes, or if it was caused by driver error or another technical complication.
While the investigation into the collision remains ongoing, the incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding road safety in the metropolitan area. A representative from the BEST transport authority noted that occupants of both private cars were trapped inside their vehicles due to the severity of the impact, necessitating swift intervention from local police and rescue services to ensure they received urgent medical attention.
As of late Monday, authorities were still in the process of gathering further details regarding the sequence of events. Police officials stated that they are awaiting expert examination reports of the vehicle to provide clarity on the cause of the crash. The case is being handled by the Wadala TT police, who are in the process of registering a formal First Information Report (FIR) against the driver for rash and negligent driving as part of the standard legal process in such accidents.
The crash serves as a reminder of the hazards at major traffic intersections during peak travel times. As the investigation progresses, local residents and commuters are awaiting further updates on the condition of the injured victims currently recovering at Sion Hospital. The police have reaffirmed their commitment to completing the investigation and initiating the necessary legal actions required to address the incident thoroughly.
Comments