Two Killed, Several Injured as BEST Electric Bus Crashes Near Dadar Plaza in Mumbai
Contract Electric Bus Loses Control, Hits Pedestrians, Vehicles and JCB Machine
Mumbai: A major road accident involving a BEST-operated contract electric bus occurred near Dadar Plaza in Mumbai on Monday morning, leaving two people dead and several others injured.
According to preliminary reports, the electric bus lost control and rammed into multiple pedestrians before crashing into a JCB machine parked on the roadside. The accident took place at around 10:15 AM, triggering panic among commuters and local residents.
At least four pedestrians were hit during the incident. Two of them succumbed to their injuries, while several others were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
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Bus Also Hits Multiple Vehicles
The out-of-control bus reportedly collided with a motorcycle and several four-wheeler vehicles before coming to a halt after striking the JCB machine.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety standards and training of drivers operating contract-based buses within the BEST fleet.
Passengers and eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and fear immediately after the crash as emergency teams rushed to the spot.
Concerns Over Contract Bus Operations
The accident has reignited the debate over the safety of contract-operated buses in Mumbai’s public transport system.
Data from recent years indicates that a significant proportion of BEST bus accidents have involved contract-operated vehicles.
Between January 2023 and December 2025, a total of 958 BEST bus accidents were reported, resulting in 77 deaths and 217 injuries. More than 85 percent of these accidents—approximately 815 cases—involved contract-operated buses.
In 2025 alone, 606 major and minor accidents involving BEST buses were recorded, of which 582 were linked to contract-operated buses.
Fatal Accident Statistics Raise Alarm
Official figures further reveal that during the 2024-25 financial year, 10 of the 12 fatal accidents involving BEST buses were linked to contract-operated electric buses.
Similarly, in the 2025-26 period, around 88 percent of the 24 deaths reported in BEST bus accidents were associated with contract-operated services.
The latest tragedy near Dadar Plaza is expected to intensify demands for stricter safety measures, improved driver training, and enhanced monitoring of private operators managing buses on behalf of BEST.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.
