After electric vehicle runs over people waiting for a bus at Bhandup, killing four, man behind wheel says technical fault caused him to lose control
Forensic experts at the scene of the mishap, where four died after a BEST bus driver lost control of the vehicle, in Bhandup West. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
Santosh Ramesh Sawant, the driver of the BEST bus involved in the mishap in Bhandup that claimed four lives on Monday night, has told the police that the vehicle’s handbrake was faulty. Sources said the claim is being verified, and the bus has been sent to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for a technical inspection.
Sawant, 52, a resident of Tembipada in Bhandup, who has been placed under arrest, has been working with the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking as a permanent driver since 2008.
The bus involved in the mishap that occurred on Monday night. Pic/By Special Arrangement
Police said Sawant was driving the bus near Bhandup railway station and was making a U-turn when he rammed into pedestrians waiting along the roadside, killing four people and injuring several others. The incident occurred on the narrow station road during peak hours, worsening the impact of the crash.
Driver’s claims
Sawant told the police that there was an issue with the bus’s handbrake, causing him to lose control of the vehicle. According to police sources, it was his first ride at the start of his shift. He said the handbrake was already engaged, and when he tried to start the bus by stepping on it, the vehicle moved unexpectedly. In an attempt to stop it, he pressed the brake, which unfortunately led to the crash.
Forensic experts at the scene of the mishap, where four were killed after a BEST bus driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle, in Bhandup West. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
Police said it will be ascertained at the RTO whether a mechanical defect contributed to the mishap. Meanwhile, chances are that the previous shift bus driver will be summoned to record his statement.
“Sawant did not flee the scene after the crash; instead, he stayed to assist the victims, police said. He was arrested on the spot and, on Tuesday morning, was produced in court, which remanded him in police custody until January 3,” said Balasaheb Pawar, senior police inspector, Bhandup police.
The bus conductor, identified as Bhagwan Bhau Ghare, 47, was also on duty at the time of the accident. Police said his role and statement are being examined as part of the investigation. A senior police officer said there was no prima facie indication that the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the mishap.
Legal ramifications
An FIR has been registered, and further investigation is underway to ascertain whether the crash was caused by driver error, mechanical failure, or a combination of factors. Sawant has been charged under severe sections of the BNS.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
