Third BEST bus accident in a week injures seven in Mumbai's Powai
A Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus crashed into a road divider in Mumbai's Powai on Thursday, injuring at least seven passengers. This marks the third such accident involving BEST buses within a week.
The incident occurred around 11:05 am when an electric bus operated by EV Trans was traveling from Vikhroli depot to Bandra West bus station. According to BEST officials, the driver was distracted by a car approaching from the left, causing him to steer the bus into the divider on the right side of the road.
Seven passengers sustained injuries in the crash. On the instructions of the wet-lease depot manager, the injured were taken to Paramount Hospital in Sakinaka for treatment. No fatalities have been reported in this incident.
Earlier this week, a similar accident in Mankhurd resulted in the death of a 65-year-old man after a BEST bus hit a divider. The recent spate of accidents has raised concerns about the safety of BEST's bus operations, particularly with newer electric buses leased to private operators.
BEST authorities have stated that an investigation into the Powai accident is underway. They have also promised a review of safety protocols and driver training to prevent future incidents. Commuters have expressed anxiety over the frequency of such accidents, urging the transport body to take immediate corrective measures.