30 June,2026 07:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde at the site of the tragedy in Chembur on Tuesday. PIC/BMC
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde on Tuesday visited the site in Chembur where a tree fell on a school bus, killing an 11-year-old student and injuring four others. She later met the injured students and the victim's family at Zen Hospital and ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident.
The accident occurred around 2.58 pm near Diamond Garden in Chembur when an old peepal tree suddenly uprooted and fell on a moving school bus belonging to Universal High School, which was carrying students home.
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), 13 students travelling on the bus were rescued with the help of the driver, conductor, and local residents immediately after the incident. Five injured students were rushed to Zen Hospital.
According to hospital authorities, Vihan Srivastava, who had sustained critical injuries, succumbed during treatment. His body has been sent to Rajawadi Hospital for post-mortem.
Of the four other injured students, one girl was discharged after treatment, while another student remains admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Doctors said all four injured students are out of danger.
Soon after receiving information about the incident, Tawde reached the accident site and reviewed the rescue operation.
She later visited Zen Hospital, met the bereaved family of the victim, enquired about the condition of the injured children, and sought an update on their treatment from doctors.
The mayor has ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident.
According to the BMC, officials informed the mayor that pre-monsoon tree trimming had been carried out on roadside trees in the area. However, the civic body will verify whether recent cement concrete road works in the locality or complaints raised by residents had any role in the incident.
Tawde said strict action would be taken if any negligence is found during the inquiry.
Several public representatives and civic officials, including Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Tukaram Kate, Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr Avinash Dhakane, and other senior BMC officials, were present during the inspection.
