The death toll in a horrific bus accident in Mumbai on Monday night has risen to seven. The electric bus of Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) hit pedestrians and several vehicles in Kurla (West) area, injuring 43 people.

Scene of the accident

The accident took place around 9.30 pm. According to eyewitnesses, the speeding bus lost control and ran for about 200 metres, hitting vehicles and pedestrians. The bus finally stopped in Budh Colony.

Kurla resident Zaid Ahmed, who was on his way to the railway station at the time of the incident, said, "The bus hit pedestrians, autorickshaws and three cars. I saw bodies before my eyes. Locals helped the injured get to the hospital."

Condition of the injured and the dead

According to police and hospitals, 49 people involved in the accident were taken to various hospitals.

- Bhabha Hospital: 35 people were taken, of which 4 died.
- Sion Hospital: 6 injured were sent, where one more person died.
- Kohinoor Hospital: One of the 3 injured died.
- Habib Hospital: One of the 6 injured was declared dead.

Four policemen were also injured in the accident. They have been admitted to Seven Hills Hospital and their condition is stable.

Government and administration's response
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to the families of the deceased and treatment of the injured will be done at the expense of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and BEST. He said, "We stand with the victims and their families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured."

Investigation continues
Police have detained bus driver Sanjay More and registered a case of culpable homicide. The driver's blood samples have been taken to check if he was drunk.

RTO and motor vehicle inspectors have arrived at the spot and inspected the bus. The bus was manufactured by Olectra Greentech and was being operated by BEST on a wet lease.

Due to the incident, the SG Barve route has been closed, affecting traffic. BEST has changed the route of buses going towards Kurla station.

After the accident, the bus was removed with the help of a crane and taken to Kurla depot. Transport officials are investigating the mechanical fault and will soon submit their report to the police.

This accident raises serious questions on public transport safety and monitoring of wet leased buses. Such incidents in a busy city like Mumbai underline the need to re-examine traffic and safety measures.