MUMBAI – In a significant development regarding the recent Bhandup bus accident, investigations have taken a new turn. A detailed inspection conducted by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) has officially ruled out any mechanical failure in the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus involved in the crash. This finding directly contradicts the initial claims made by the driver, shifting the focus of the investigation toward potential human error.
According to reports obtained by Lokmaha News, the accident, which occurred near the Bhandup Police Station, resulted in injuries to two individuals and caused damage to public infrastructure. While the incident initially raised concerns about the maintenance of Mumbai’s public transport fleet, the technical clearance of the vehicle suggests the bus was roadworthy at the time of the collision.
RTO Report Contradicts Driver’s Claims
Immediately following the crash, the bus driver, identified as Kamlesh Prajapati, stated that the vehicle’s brakes had failed, causing him to lose control. However, officers from the Wadala RTO conducted a thorough examination of the Tata CNG bus at the crash site. Their technical report confirmed that all critical systems were fully functional.
“The steering, foot brake, and hand brake were all found to be in working order,” an official source told Lokmaha News. Furthermore, the inspection noted that there was ample air pressure in the tanks, which is essential for the braking system in heavy vehicles to operate effectively. This technical evidence makes the theory of mechanical failure highly unlikely.
Details of the Bhandup Bus Accident
The incident took place when the speeding BEST bus, operating on Route 603, veered out of control. In a sequence of chaotic events, the heavy vehicle first collided with a dumper truck before ramming into an electric pole, bringing it down. The bus finally came to a halt after crashing into the wall of a garden near the police station.
The impact left the bus driver and a passenger injured. Both were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. For global readers, the BEST bus service is the lifeline of Mumbai, transporting millions of commuters daily. Safety incidents involving these iconic red buses are taken seriously by authorities due to the dense population and heavy traffic characteristic of India’s financial capital.
Investigation Shifts to Driver Negligence
With the mechanical clearance provided by the RTO, police investigators are now probing other causes for the Bhandup bus accident. Authorities are looking into whether the driver may have suffered a sudden medical episode or if the crash was a result of rash and negligent driving.
The police have already registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the driver. As the investigation proceeds, officials will review CCTV footage and witness statements to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the crash. Lokmaha News will continue to monitor this developing story to bring you the latest updates on public transport safety in the region.
