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This is an archive article published on July 2, 2023

Two killed as BEST buses collide, ram auto-rickshaw

As per a preliminary report furnished by the BEST, the accident took place around 1.45 am. The two buses, identified as Bus No. 1453 and Bus No. 1862, were heading from Poisar to Ghatkopar for depot transfer.

Best bus accidentAs per a preliminary report furnished by the BEST, the accident took place around 1.45 am. The two buses, identified as Bus No. 1453 and Bus No. 1862, were heading from Poisar to Ghatkopar for depot transfer.
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Two persons died and another was injured after two Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses collided and then rammed an auto-rickshaw near Goregaon Check Naka Bridge on the Western Express Highway on Saturday night.

The two victims, both passengers in the auto-rickshaw, have been identified as Johny Sankharam (42) and Sujata Panchaki (38). The driver of the auto-rickshaw sustained minor injuries.

As per a preliminary report furnished by the BEST, the accident took place around 1.45 am. The two buses, identified as Bus No. 1453 and Bus No. 1862, were heading from Poisar to Ghatkopar for depot transfer.

When the buses reached near the spot, the driver of the first bus applied brakes. The second bus followed suit and jammed its brakes as well. However, owing to the heavy rain, the roads were slippery and the second bus skidded and dashed into an auto-rickshaw.

The auto-rickshaw was ferrying two passengers who were seriously injured in the incident. They were first taken to Trauma Care Hospital where Johny Santharam (42) was pronounced dead before admission. Meanwhile, Sujata Panchaki (38) was transferred to Andheri’s Kokilaben Hospital. A couple of hours later Panchaki was also declared dead.

Speaking to The Indian Express, BEST officials confirmed that the bus drivers had not been injured and that the buses were not ferrying any passengers when the incident unfolded. “The accident was caused because of the slippery roads. Further investigation is underway”, said a BEST official.

An officer from Goregaon police station said they have registered an FIR and have arrested one of the BEST bus drivers.

Nayonika Bose is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express’ Mumbai bureau. While in the early stages of her career, her focused reporting on local governance and community welfare already demonstrates clear Expertise and Trustworthiness in covering essential civic issues impacting Mumbai's residents. Expertise & Authority (E-E-A-T) Specialized Focus: Nayonika's reporting is dedicated to civic and community issues, providing readers with highly relevant, ground-level information about the functionality and administration of India's largest metropolitan area. Core Coverage Areas: Her articles highlight a strong focus on the fundamental quality of life and public safety in Mumbai, including: Civic Infrastructure: Reports on critical failures and initiatives related to public works, such as the recurring problem of unauthorized building collapses in Navi Mumbai, the construction of new infrastructure projects (like the Dahisar-Bhayandar Link Road and the Mahalaxmi cable-stayed bridge), and the maintenance of essential city services (e.g., manhole cover theft). Urban Governance & Crisis Management: Provides detailed coverage of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) response to major crises, particularly during the monsoon (e.g., heavy rainfall, water cuts, and public health concerns like dengue and malaria) and large-scale public safety incidents (e.g., the hoarding collapse fallout). Community Welfare & Rights: Reports on key social issues, including the financial aid scheme for persons with disabilities, the struggles of Mumbai's hawkers protesting eviction drives, and the dangers faced by workers due to the continuation of manual scavenging in water tanks. Cultural & Heritage Reporting: Covers significant community stories, including the restoration of British-era fountains and the history of institutions like the 126-year-old Chinchpokli cemetery, showing a breadth of interest beyond pure administration. Tweets @nayonikakb ... Read More

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