Human Error Suspected in BEST Electric Bus Crash in Mumbai
Initial findings have pointed towards human error that might have caused the fatal accident involving a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) electric bus in Mumbai’s Bhandup area on Monday.
Officials said the vehicle showed no mechanical faults during inspections, shifting the focus of the investigation to the driver’s actions moments before the crash.
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The accident occurred late Monday night near Bhandup (West) suburban railway station when a nine-metre-long electric bus rammed into pedestrians. Four people lost their lives, while ten others sustained injuries, triggering widespread concern over safety protocols in the city’s public transport system.
Bus Found Mechanically Fit After Inspection
Officials from the Wadala Regional Transport Office (RTO) inspected the Olectra Greentech-manufactured electric bus and reported that it was mechanically sound. The brakes, accelerator system, and starting mechanism functioned normally, ruling out technical failure as the cause of the crash.
RTO officials also confirmed that electric buses do not move if air pressure in the braking system drops, further eliminating the possibility of brake failure. The vehicle currently remains parked near the Bhandup police chowki as investigations continue.
Driver Arrested, Probe Ordered by BEST
The bus was driven by Santosh Ramesh Sawant, 52, a BEST employee with over 15 years of service. Police have arrested Sawant and registered a case against him for negligent driving.
BEST’s General Manager has ordered a detailed inquiry and directed senior operations and engineering officials to submit a report at the earliest. Authorities are also reviewing the driver’s licence, service history, and duty schedule.
Events Leading Up to the Crash
Sources within BEST said the bus had been operating on Route 606 shortly before the accident and was moving at an average speed of just 7 kmph. After reaching Bhandup (West) station, the driver parked the bus in a crowded area for around five minutes.
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Following a short bio break, the driver returned to the bus. During a right turn from the starting point, he reportedly lost control. Officials believe he may have panicked and pressed the accelerator instead of the brake, causing the bus to crash into a roadside pole and the central divider.
Vehicle History and Maintenance Records
The air-conditioned electric bus was part of a batch of 25 midi buses transferred to the Vikhroli depot from Dharavi earlier this year. BEST introduced these buses after scrapping older seven-metre mini buses that had completed their operational lifespan on Bhandup’s narrow roads.
Officials said the bus was six years and four months old and had been registered in August 2021. It underwent a mandatory fitness test in August 2025, with the certificate valid until August 2027. The bus also carried valid insurance at the time of the incident.
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Olectra officials confirmed that the vehicle remained off-road between December 6 and December 24 for routine maintenance, including battery pack replacement. They stated that technicians found no mechanical issues before the bus returned to service.
Past Incidents Raise Safety Concerns
This marks the second major accident in Mumbai involving a wet-leased electric bus supplied by Olectra. In December last year, another electric bus ploughed into a crowd in Kurla (West), killing nine people and injuring over 40.
BEST operates more than 2,700 buses and transports nearly 30 lakh passengers daily across Mumbai and surrounding regions. The recent incidents have renewed calls for stricter driver training, monitoring systems, and safety audits for electric buses operating in densely populated areas.
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