Tragedy on the Roads: Mumbai Crash Claims 7 Lives as Police Clear Bus Driver of Drunkenness

Driver Sanjay Dutta More underwent a blood test to determine alcohol levels, and the results returned negative, confirming no alcohol presence in his system during the assessment.

P24 News Media

December 15, 2024

1 minute

Tragedy on the Roads: Mumbai Crash Claims 7 Lives as Police Clear Bus Driver of Drunkenness

India

In a recent tragic event in Kurla, Maharashtra, investigations into a devastating bus crash have outlined significant developments. The incident resulted in the unfortunate loss of seven lives and left numerous others with injuries. Authorities have confirmed that Sanjay Dutta More, the bus driver, was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. Blood tests conducted on More revealed no signs of intoxication.

Despite these findings, investigations remain ongoing. The police are currently exploring the possibility that the incident may have been intentional, although the specific motivations behind the driver's actions are still unclear. Authorities have taken steps to gather evidence by interviewing various individuals involved, including personnel from the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) administration. So far, over 40 statements have been collected to aid in the investigation.

This tragic event unfolded on December 9, when a BEST bus veered out of control, ultimately colliding with 49 people and impacting more than 30 vehicles in a chaotic scene. Witnesses reported that the bus was traveling at a high speed when it crashed into at least 25 vehicles around 9:30 p.m. in the bustling Kurla West market, causing widespread panic and chaos.

In response to the crash, a magistrate court in Kurla has remanded the driver to police custody until December 21, allowing authorities to further investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident. According to a statement from BEST, the driver reportedly lost control of the 12-meter-long electric bus, leading to the catastrophic outcome.

In light of the tragedy, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a financial compensation of ₹ 5 lakh for the families of the deceased victims. Furthermore, full medical coverage will be provided for all individuals who sustained injuries during the collision. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation and assured the public that those responsible would face appropriate consequences.

Additionally, the BEST has pledged to provide a compensation of ₹ 2 lakh to each family affected by this incident and has established a probe committee. This committee is expected to be led by Chief Manager Ramesh Madavi, who will oversee the investigation into the crash.

The incident has sparked a strong reaction from various political leaders, including Aditya Thackeray of the Shiv Sena (UBT), Supriya Sule from the Nationalist Congress Party, and M. Arif Naseem Khan of the Congress. They have collectively called for a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and have demanded that stringent actions be taken against those found culpable.

The ramifications of this event are likely to be felt across the local community, as families mourn their losses and seek justice for the victims. The investigation continues to unfold, with authorities diligently working to uncover the truth behind this unfortunate incident. The hope remains that, through thorough scrutiny and accountability, such tragedies can be prevented in the future.