A reversing bus near Bhandup railway station left four dead and nine injured on Monday night, reigniting concerns about public transport safety in Mumbai.
On the evening of Monday, December 29, 2025, a routine commute turned tragic when a BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) bus lost control near Bhandup West railway station in Mumbai. The incident, which occurred at approximately 10:05 PM on busy Station Road, claimed four lives and left nine others injured.
Key Facts at a Glance:
- Date & Time: December 29, 2025, approximately 10:05 PM
- Location: Station Road, Bhandup West, near Bhandup railway station
- Casualties: 4 dead, 9 injured
- Vehicle: BEST bus Route 606 (Olectra electric bus on wet-lease)
- Driver: Santosh Ramesh Sawant, 52 (suspended, in custody)
- Compensation: ₹5 lakh per deceased family
What Happened
Eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage paint a harrowing picture. The bus, operating on route 606, was reversing at the endpoint of its route when the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle. Pedestrians waiting outside the station which is a naturally crowded area with heavy foot traffic were caught in the path of the oncoming bus.
In footage captured by a nearby textile shop’s security camera, people can be seen standing outside a clothing store when the bus suddenly advanced. While many fled inside the shop in panic, others fell to the ground. The video shows at least one person being crushed under the vehicle, with bystanders rushing to help.
The Tragedy
The accident claimed four lives, comprising three women and one man. Nine others sustained injuries, eight men and one woman.
One woman, approximately 31 years old, was declared dead upon arrival at Rajawadi Hospital, while another victim, 51-year-old Prashant Lad, remained in critical condition. At MT Agarwal Hospital, three victims were confirmed dead, with nine others admitted for treatment.
The Vehicle and Driver
The bus involved was a wet-leased electric AC vehicle from Olectra Greentech, attached to BEST’s Vikhroli Depot. Under the wet-lease model, the contractor, in this case Olectra bears costs for fuel, driver hiring, and maintenance.
The driver, identified as 52-year-old Santosh Ramesh Sawant, has been taken into custody. Police have initiated proceedings to file an FIR against him for causing death by negligence and rash driving. BEST officials have also suspended the driver pending an internal inquiry.
Official Response by Prime Minister Modi and Maharashtra’s Chief Minister
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his condolences and announced financial relief for the victims’ families. “The tragic incident in which 4 people lost their lives in a fatal accident near Bhandup railway station is extremely unfortunate,” he stated, pledging ₹5 lakh (approximately $6,000 USD) compensation to each family of the deceased.
Congress leader Varsha Gajwani criticized systemic failures, noting that “poor buses, inadequate training, and lack of investment in BEST are becoming a threat to public safety.” She called for a fair and thorough investigation into the incident.
Ongoing Investigation
Police continue their investigation, examining mechanical and technical aspects of the bus. Eyewitness testimonies are being recorded, and CCTV footage from the area is being analyzed to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Purpose of a Human Life
Hearing about these events left right centre makes us realize how fragile and unpredictable human lives can be. It makes us ponder over the purpose of human life. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj unpacks what our spiritual scriptures tell about the purpose of human life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What caused the BEST bus accident in Bhandup?
The accident occurred on Monday night, December 29, 2025, when a Route 606 electric bus was reversing near Bhandup West railway station. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle in a high-traffic area, striking several pedestrians.
2. How many casualties were reported in the incident?
Tragically, four people (three women and one man) lost their lives. Nine others sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at Rajawadi and MT Agarwal Hospitals.
3. What action has been taken against the driver and the bus operator?
The driver, 52-year-old Santosh Ramesh Sawant, has been suspended and taken into police custody. An FIR has been filed for rash driving and negligence. As the bus was a “wet-leased” electric vehicle from Olectra Greentech, an internal inquiry is also underway to determine if technical failures contributed to the crash.
