Dadar BEST bus accident: Journey home to meet prospective bride ends in tragedy

The damaged motorcycle of food delivery executive Niyaz Ahmed Shaikh lodged beneath the BEST bus after Monday’s fatal crash in Dadar. Pic/Ashish Raje

A 28-year-old food delivery executive, who was the sole breadwinner of his family and was set to travel to Uttar Pradesh next week for marriage discussions, was killed after a BEST bus driver allegedly lost control and rammed into multiple vehicles near Plaza Cinema junction in Dadar on Monday morning at 10.45 am. The victim, identified as Niyaz Ahmed Shaikh, suffered severe injuries in the crash and was rushed to Sion Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. Six others were injured in the incident.

Eyewitness account

According to local resident Amit Chavan, Shaikh was critically injured when the BEST bus crashed into a four-wheeler and a two-wheeler near Plaza Cinema. "Despite calls being made to the emergency 108 ambulance service, heavy traffic delayed its arrival. Finally, we had to call police personnel, who then transported him to Sion Hospital in their police vehicle," said Chavan.

Had plans to marry

The tragedy has been particularly painful for the family because Shaikh was scheduled to travel to his native village in Uttar Pradesh on June 17 to meet a prospective bride. "The family was looking forward to his visit next week. Who knew his life would stop instead of starting a new chapter," said Ali. "Once the hospital releases his body after legal processes, we will take his mortal remains to UP," added Ali.

Colleague informed

Rauz Ali, Shaikh's uncle
‘An employee from his workplace called me and informed me about the accident, as I am his emergency contact. I got to know that he is dead only after reaching the hospital.'

Sole support for family

Rauz Ali, Shaikh's uncle
‘He was the sole earning member of the family and worked tirelessly to support his parents and siblings back home. His youngest sister had passed away a few years ago in an accident. And today he lost his life for no fault of his. His parents and one more sister were completely dependent on him. He had previously worked at a metal company but switched to food delivery work in search of better earnings.'

Victim

Name: Niyaz Ahmed Shaikh
Age: 28
Occupation: Food delivery executive
Residence: Null Bazar, South Mumbai
Native place: Uttar Pradesh

Crash impact
>>1 dead
>>6 injured
>>Multiple vehicles damaged

Location
Plaza Cinema junction, Dadar