Tragic Kurla, Mumbai BEST Bus Incident: A Lesson in Safety, Training, and Health Insurance
On the night of December 9, 2024, Mumbai witnessed a devastating accident when a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) electric bus tragically plowed into pedestrians and vehicles in Kurla, Mumbai, claiming seven lives and injuring 42 others. The incident occurred around 9.30 pm on S G Barve Marg in Kurla (West), when the Olectra-made electric bus, operated by BEST, lost control, leading to a series of collisions. The bus, which was only three months old, had its brakes inspected, and no mechanical failure was found. Early investigations point to human error and improper training as the likely causes behind this horrifying tragedy.
The bus driver, 54-year-old Sanjay More, was arrested shortly after the incident. Although initial speculation suggested brake failure, an inspection by the Wadala Regional Transport Office (RTO) ruled out this possibility. All critical systems, including the brakes and headlights, were found to be functioning properly. It was later revealed that More may have lacked sufficient experience with automatic transmission electric buses, which differ significantly from conventional buses. With a heavy reliance on automatic transmission, these buses require drivers to develop precise judgment for acceleration and braking. The bus’s onboard CCTV footage indicated that the entire accident unfolded within a span of just 52 to 55 seconds, during which the driver may have panicked and accelerated after the initial impact. The bus covered a distance of over 400 meters before finally crashing into a compound wall.
Despite the tragedy, the investigation into the root causes of the accident continues, with the RTO seeking more details from Olectra and BEST. According to official reports, the driver received limited training—three days of induction training, though his family suggests he underwent 9 to 10 days of training. The importance of proper and continuous driver training cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to newer, more complex vehicles like electric buses. This incident also highlights the need for better safety protocols and thorough driver evaluations to prevent such accidents in the future.
The Unpredictability of Life and the Importance of Health Insurance
Incidents like the Kurla, Mumbai bus tragedy remind us how unexpected events can dramatically change lives in a matter of moments. Whether it’s a sudden accident, a health crisis, or an unforeseen emergency, we never know when life will throw us a curveball. In times of such unpredictability, having comprehensive health insurance coverage is not just a necessity but a safeguard. Health insurance ensures that you and your loved ones are protected against the high costs of medical care, providing you with peace of mind when you need it most. It helps cover the expenses of hospitalization, treatment, and even post-treatment care, which can be a significant financial burden in times of crises.
Moreover, when an accident like the one in Kurla, Mumbai occurs, the injured often face long-term recovery needs. Health insurance steps in to cover hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and even emergency care, preventing financial distress from compounding physical trauma. Accidents, injuries, and illnesses are part of life, and while we can’t predict when or how they will strike, we can certainly prepare ourselves for their aftermath. Health insurance, in this sense, acts as a safety net—ensuring that when the worst happens, you don’t have to face it alone or financially unprepared.
At My Insurance Dost, we understand how crucial it is to have reliable health coverage, especially in an uncertain world. Our team is dedicated to helping you find the right health insurance plan tailored to your needs. We provide a wide range of options that cover everything from critical illness to accidental injuries, giving you comprehensive protection at affordable rates. Don’t wait for an emergency to realize the importance of health insurance. Secure your future today with My Insurance Dost, where we make insurance simpler, more accessible, and more reliable.