30 June,2026 09:59 PM IST | Mumbai | Ritika Gondhalekar
The Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) rushed to the spot soon after receiving information about the incident. Pic/videograb (Special Arrangement)
An 11-year-old student lost his life and four others sustained injuries after a roadside peepal tree was uprooted and crashed onto a school bus in Chembur area of Mumbai on Tuesday afternoon, officials said.
The incident occurred at around 2.58 pm near Heritage Pride on Road No. 11 in Chembur. According to officials, the uprooted tree fell onto a school bus belonging to Universal High School (Make Force company), bearing registration number MH 03 CV 7439.
At the time of the incident, 13 children were travelling on the bus. The bus conductor, with the help of local residents, swiftly rescued all the students before emergency responders arrived. Rescue operations were subsequently carried out by the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB).
Five students who sustained injuries were rushed to Zen Hospital for treatment. Hospital authorities said four of the children suffered minor injuries and are in a stable condition.
However, one student, identified as Vihan Shrivastav, 11, sustained critical injuries. Despite medical efforts, doctors at Zen Hospital declared him dead at 4.23 pm.
Officials said the remaining students are under observation and receiving treatment.
"A total of five children - three boys and two girls - were brought to Zen Multispeciality Hospital around 3.30 pm following the unfortunate tree fall incident on a school bus at 11th Road, Chembur, involving students from Universal School. One 11-year-old boy was brought dead. Resuscitative measures were undertaken by our emergency team, but to no avail, and he was declared deceased," said Dr Roy Patankar, Director of Zen Multispeciality Hospital, Chembur.
"Two children with injuries underwent further clinical evaluation, including CT scans, and are currently under medical care. The remaining two children were assessed and found to be clinically stable," he added.
"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the bereaved family during this difficult time," said Dr Patankar.
The exact cause of the tree collapse is yet to be ascertained.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the condition of ageing roadside trees, particularly during the monsoon season, and the need for regular inspections and preventive maintenance to help prevent such tragedies.
