A tragic road accident in Mumbai on Monday evening resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left at least ten others injured. The incident occurred when a bus operated by the city's public transport provider, Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), knocked down a group of pedestrians while reversing.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The accident took place on 29 December 2025. According to initial reports, the bus driver was maneuvering the vehicle in reverse when it lost control and plowed into people walking on the footpath or roadside. The impact was severe, leading to immediate fatalities and critical injuries. Emergency services were rushed to the location, and the injured were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. The exact location within Mumbai and the circumstances leading to the driver's actions are under investigation by local authorities.
Immediate Response and Compensation
Following the devastating event, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced financial aid for the victims' families. The Chief Minister declared an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of each person who lost their life in the accident. This announcement underscores the government's immediate response to provide some relief to the bereaved families grappling with an irreplaceable loss.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigations
The accident has once again raised serious concerns about road safety and public transport protocols in India's financial capital. Key questions being examined include the driver's adherence to safety guidelines while reversing a large vehicle in a crowded area and the overall maintenance and operational procedures of the transport undertaking. The police have likely registered a case and will be conducting a thorough probe to determine liability and prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future. The community mourns the loss of life, and the focus now is on supporting the injured survivors and ensuring accountability.