A tragic morning walk turned fatal for a 78-year-old woman in Mumbai's Andheri area on Friday after she was struck by a mini school bus. The driver fled the scene but was apprehended by police hours later.
Details of the Andheri Road Accident
The incident occurred at approximately 6:45 am near the Western Express Highway at Ramesh More Chowk, Telli Galli. The victim, identified as Usha Bolar, was out for her routine morning walk when the private mini bus, carrying at least 10 school children, hit her.
An alert police constable, Amol G, who was on duty at the chowk, witnessed the bus suddenly turning into Telli Galli and striking the elderly pedestrian. In his complaint, the constable stated that the bus was at a significant speed, which prevented the driver from braking effectively. Consequently, Usha Bolar came under the left-side wheels of the vehicle.
Driver Flees, Leaves Children Behind
Upon rushing to the accident site to offer help, Constable Amol noticed the children inside the bus. He saw the driver step out and examine the woman he had hit. However, as soon as the driver spotted the approaching police officer, he abandoned the bus and the children, fleeing the scene.
The school children onboard were fortunately not harmed or injured in any way. The police immediately took charge of the situation, informed the parents, and ensured the safe return of all children to their homes.
Arrest and Aftermath of the Fatal Crash
The police rushed Usha Bolar to Cooper Hospital, where she unfortunately succumbed to her injuries. Authorities used her mobile phone to contact her family and inform them of the tragic accident.
A manhunt was launched for the absconding driver, leading to his arrest within a few hours. The driver has been booked under relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act for causing death due to negligence and rash driving.
This incident has once again raised serious concerns about road safety, especially near high-speed corridors like the Western Express Highway, and the responsibility of drivers ferrying children.
