Mumbai witnessed a horrifying accident on Monday when a BEST bus met with a tragic fate in Kurla, leaving seven people dead and causing panic among passengers. The Kurla bus accident has raised serious concerns about driver training, human error, and safety measures in public transport systems.
The Fateful Incident
CCTV footage from the bus reveals an ordinary day where passengers were traveling from Kurla to Andheri. The conductor was seen issuing tickets as commuters sat and stood inside the vehicle. Suddenly, the bus began accelerating uncontrollably. Passengers, gripped by fear, clung to the handlebars as the lights flickered ominously. In a matter of moments, the bus crashed into vehicles and pedestrians, causing chaos.
As the bus screeched to a halt, many passengers, including the driver, Sanjay More, 54, jumped out through shattered windows. Footage shows More grabbing two backpacks before escaping the bus, highlighting the sheer panic onboard.
The Aftermath
CCTV cameras installed in Kurla also captured the moment the bus veered off the road, ramming an auto-rickshaw and running over pedestrians. Sparks were seen flying underneath the bus as it came to a halt near the gate of the Dr. Ambedkar Nagar housing complex. Onlookers rushed to the scene to assist victims of the tragic Kurla bus accident.
Investigation Findings
Preliminary investigations by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) suggest that the accident resulted from a “human error” coupled with a “lack of proper training.” The bus driver, More, appeared inexperienced with the automatic transmission system of the new electric bus. Unlike conventional buses with a clutch and gear system, this 12-meter-long vehicle required specialized training, which More had not adequately received.
The electric bus, only three months old, was registered under EVEY TRANS on August 20, 2024, and operated through a Pune-based third-party agency. BEST officials suspect that insufficient training provided to the driver significantly contributed to the tragic incident.
Legal Consequences: Arrest of Sanjay More
The arrest of Sanjay More, the driver at the center of the Kurla bus accident, has sparked widespread debate over accountability and the systemic failures that led to this tragedy. More has been charged under sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. He remains in police custody until December 21 as the investigation continues.
While More’s arrest underscores the need for holding individuals accountable for their actions, it also brings attention to the broader issues of driver training and operational oversight. According to reports, More lacked proper training to handle the automatic transmission system of the electric bus—a failure that points to negligence by both the third-party agency that supplied him and the transport authorities.
Public Reaction to the Arrest
The arrest has evoked mixed reactions from the public. On one hand, there is anger and grief over the loss of innocent lives, with many calling for stringent punishment. On the other hand, some argue that More is being made a scapegoat for a larger systemic failure. Critics believe that the agency responsible for training the driver and BEST officials who oversee operations should also be held accountable.
Legal experts suggest that while More’s actions may constitute negligence, the lack of proper training and systemic gaps significantly diminish his sole culpability. “This is a case of shared responsibility,” one expert stated. “The driver’s inexperience is undeniable, but why was he allowed to operate a vehicle he was not trained for?”
Systemic Issues at Play
The Kurla bus accident highlights glaring gaps in the public transport system. Questions arise about why a newly introduced electric bus, requiring advanced skills to operate, was handed over to an inadequately trained driver. Further, the outsourcing of drivers through third-party agencies often results in compromised standards, as seen in this case.
BEST’s decision to rely on third-party contractors for driver recruitment and training also raises concerns. The agency must ensure that drivers are thoroughly vetted and trained before being entrusted with public safety. Additionally, it is essential to regularly assess and monitor driver performance, especially when handling new technology such as electric buses.
Lessons to Learn
The arrest of Sanjay More should serve as a turning point for Mumbai’s public transport system. While More faces legal repercussions, this incident must prompt authorities to address systemic flaws that jeopardize public safety. Key takeaways include:
- Enhanced Training Programs: Public transport operators must invest in comprehensive training for drivers, especially for modern vehicles with advanced systems.
- Stringent Recruitment Processes: Third-party agencies supplying drivers should be held accountable for ensuring that recruits meet all competency and safety standards.
- Regular Safety Audits: Routine inspections and audits of public transport operations can help identify and mitigate risks before they lead to disasters.
- Accountability Beyond the Individual: While drivers should be held accountable for their actions, systemic failures must also be addressed to ensure justice and prevent future incidents.
Conclusion
The Kurla bus accident is a tragic reminder of the cost of systemic lapses and human error in public transportation. Sanjay More’s arrest is an important step in seeking justice for the victims, but it must not overshadow the need for systemic reforms. As Mumbai grapples with the aftermath, it is imperative for authorities to prioritize passenger safety through improved training, stricter regulations, and enhanced accountability at all levels.
The focus should not solely be on punishing one individual but on learning from this tragedy to build a safer and more reliable public transport system for the future.
