4 Dead in Mumbai as BEST Bus Reverses into Pedestrians

New Delhi, December 30, 2025: A horrific accident late Monday night turned a routine commute into a nightmare at Bhandup (West), as a civic-run BEST bus crashed into a crowd of pedestrians while reversing. The incident, which occurred around 10:05 PM on December 29, 2025, has left four people dead and at least nine others injured.

The Chilling Moment

CCTV footage captured by a local textile shop shows the harrowing seconds when the midi-bus suddenly surged backward at the busy Station Road. Pedestrians, many of whom were commuters waiting for buses or navigating the congested street, were seen scrambling in panic. Some were unable to escape the vehicle’s path and were pinned beneath it.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of absolute chaos. Shopkeepers and locals were the first to respond, rushing to lift the stationary bus to rescue those trapped underneath. “I heard a massive crash and ran out to see people lying on the road. The bus had climbed onto the footpath,” said Dinesh Jain, a local shop owner who assisted in the rescue.

Details of the Incident

The bus, an electric midi-vehicle from Olectra Greentech operating on route A-606, was reportedly at the end of its journey. According to preliminary police reports, the driver, Santosh Ramesh Sawant (52), was attempting to maneuver a U-turn or reposition the vehicle when he lost control.

The victims have been identified as:

• Pranita Sandip Rasam (35)
• Varsha Sawant (25)
• Mansi Meghshyam Gurav (49)
• Prashant Shinde (53)

Among the nine injured currently being treated at Rajawadi and MT Agarwal Hospitals is a 12-year-old girl. While most are reported to be in stable condition, the tragedy has sent shockwaves through the suburban community.

Investigation and Safety Concerns

The driver has been taken into police custody, and a First Information Report (FIR) is being registered. While initial reports suggested a mechanical failure or an error involving the handbrake during a shift change, the police are conducting a thorough mechanical inspection to determine the exact cause.

This tragedy comes almost exactly one year after a similar fatal accident in Kurla, raising serious questions about the safety of wet-leased electric buses and the training of their operators. Local residents and political leaders have pointed to the severe congestion and lack of adequate turning space at Bhandup station as contributing factors.

Government Response

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his deepest condolences, describing the incident as “extremely unfortunate.” He has announced a financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and directed hospitals to ensure the best possible care for the injured.