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A tragic accident unfolded in Mumbai's Kurla on Monday night, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals and injuries to 42 others. The incident involved a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) electric bus, manufactured by Olectra, which collided with pedestrians and vehicles on S G Barve Marg at approximately 9:30 p.m. The severity of the crash, leaving such a devastating toll on human life, immediately prompted a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. Initial reports suggested a multitude of possible contributing factors, ranging from mechanical failure to driver error, sparking intense speculation and concern among the public.
The investigation, led by the Wadala Regional Transport Office (RTO), quickly focused on determining the cause of the catastrophic event. A key aspect of the early stages of the investigation was the comprehensive inspection of the Olectra electric bus involved. The initial suspicion of brake failure as a contributing factor was swiftly dismissed after a rigorous inspection revealed that the bus's braking system, along with other crucial components like the headlights, were functioning correctly. This finding immediately shifted the focus of the investigation towards other potential causes, primarily human error.
The driver of the bus, Sanjay More (54), was promptly arrested following the accident. The preliminary findings from the RTO investigation strongly suggest that a lack of experience in operating automatic transmission electric buses may have been the pivotal factor leading to the tragedy. The 12-meter-long electric bus, unlike its manual counterparts, utilizes an automatic transmission system which presents a notable learning curve for drivers accustomed to the precise control offered by traditional manual gear systems. It is believed that the driver's unfamiliarity with the automatic transmission might have hampered his ability to adequately judge acceleration and braking, potentially leading to a misjudgment of speed and distance.
The sequence of events leading to the crash has been partially reconstructed based on footage captured by CCTV cameras installed on the bus. The recordings appear to show that the accident unfolded within a relatively short timeframe, spanning between 52 and 55 seconds. After the initial collision, the bus continued its trajectory for a significant distance, traveling approximately 400 to 450 meters before finally coming to a stop after crashing into a compound wall of a housing society. Investigators suspect that the driver panicked in the aftermath of the initial impact, mistakenly accelerating instead of braking, thereby exacerbating the already dire situation.
The issue of the driver's training has become a contentious point in the ongoing investigation. While BEST's general manager, Anil Diggikar, stated that Mr. More received a three-day induction training program before operating the electric bus, his son, Deep More, countered this claim by stating his father underwent a more extensive training period of nine to ten days. This discrepancy in the account of training duration underscores the need for a more thorough examination of BEST's training protocols for drivers transitioning from manual to automatic electric buses. A retired RTO official pointed out the substantial operational differences between these two types of vehicles, emphasizing the lack of air-assisted braking systems in automatic electric buses and the longer learning curve associated with them.
This accident highlights the critical need for comprehensive training programs for drivers transitioning to operate automatic electric buses. The absence of air-assisted braking systems in these vehicles adds another layer of complexity that requires drivers to possess a firm understanding of their operational characteristics. Further analysis of the CCTV footage, combined with the final reports from Olectra’s engineers and the RTO, will be crucial in providing a definitive account of the events leading up to the crash. The investigation’s outcome will undoubtedly influence future safety protocols and training initiatives within BEST and potentially across the broader transportation sector.
The Maharashtra Transport Commissioner, Vivek Bhimanwar, confirmed that the RTO followed standard operating procedures during their inspection of the bus. This adherence to protocol provides assurance that the investigation adhered to standardized practices. The Mumbai police will ultimately receive a final report which will integrate the findings from Olectra's engineering assessments and the RTO’s investigative conclusions. This will allow the police to have a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding the accident and to make informed decisions regarding future legal proceedings.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with rapid technological advancements in public transportation, especially when transitioning from one system to another. Adequate training, meticulous vehicle maintenance, and robust safety protocols are not merely best practices; they are crucial elements in ensuring the safety of passengers and the public alike. The investigation into the Kurla bus accident is therefore of paramount importance, not only to determine accountability but also to implement measures that will prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The comprehensive investigation will involve not only the technical aspects but also a close examination of BEST's training programs, operational procedures, and their effectiveness in preparing drivers for the unique demands of modern electric buses.