BEST driver booked as police probe cause of deadly Dadar crash

Officers of Shivaji Park police station at the scene of the bus accident, near Plaza Cinema, in Dadar West. PIC/ASHISH RAJE

The Shivaji Park police have registered an FIR against BEST bus driver Vikas Padare, 42, in connection with the accident in Dadar West on Monday.

Padare has been booked under Sections 106 (causing death by negligence), 281 (rash driving on a public way), 125 (act endangering life or personal safety), 125(a) (causing hurt by negligence) and 125(b) (causing grievous hurt by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Section 184 (dangerous driving) of the Motor Vehicles Act.

According to police, Padare sustained injuries to his hip and had to be admitted to the orthopaedic ward of Sion hospital. His condition is reported to be stable.

BEST inspector Mahesh Doiphode, 50, and bus conductor Rajendra Pelekar, 57, who were in the bus, were also injured and are undergoing treatment at the hospital. "The driver's statement will be recorded once his condition improves. He will be placed under arrest after he is discharged from the hospital. At present, we are awaiting medical clearance from the doctors," a police officer said.

Sample collected

Police said the driver's blood sample has been collected to ascertain whether he had consumed alcohol or was under the influence of any medication or substance that could have affected his alertness, reaction time or fitness to operate the bus.

The investigation

Police are examining CCTV footage and recording the statements of passengers and eyewitnesses to establish the sequence of events leading to the crash. They are also looking into whether the accident was caused by driver error, a mechanical fault or other factors.