No Mechanical Fault in Electric Bus Involved in Kurla Bus Crash: RTO Report
The Kurla bus accident, which left seven dead and 49 injured, has taken a significant turn with a report from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) confirming that there was no mechanical fault in electric bus involved in Kurla bus crash, manufactured by Olectra.
This revelation challenges the claims made by the driver, Sanjay More, who alleged that a brake failure caused the tragedy.
The sessions court in Mumbai, while denying bail to More, cited the RTO’s findings, which indicate that the bus was in sound mechanical condition at the time of the accident. The court noted that it is hard to believe that a mechanical or technical defect led to the incident.
This conclusion was cited as the basis for rejecting More’s bail plea, underlining the gravity of the mishap and the need for a thorough investigation.
Also Read: The 10 Worst Bus Accidents in the World in 2024 – A Complete List
Key Findings from the Investigation in Kurla Bus Accident
RTO Report
The RTO’s technical analysis confirmed that there were no defects in the bus’s braking system or any other mechanical components manufactured by Olectra. This finding undermines More’s claim that he lost control due to a brake failure.
Driver Negligence Alleged
In its ruling, the court noted that the bus was being driven “rapidly in a very rash and negligent manner” on a crowded street near Kurla railway station. The court emphasized that such reckless driving endangered lives.
BEST’s Role Under Scrutiny
While the RTO exonerated the bus’s mechanical systems, questions remain about BEST’s operational practices, including driver training and routine vehicle maintenance.
Background of the Kurla Bus Accident
On December 9, 2024, an electric bus operated by BEST veered into pedestrians and vehicles on Kurla’s congested streets. Witnesses described the chaotic scene, with people scrambling for safety as the bus careened out of control.
The incident occurred just days after More was assigned to drive the electric bus, a modern addition to BEST’s fleet. In his defense, More’s legal team argued that the accident was caused by unforeseen technical issues and inadequate training on the bus’s advanced features. However, these claims were firmly refuted by the RTO report, which confirmed the vehicle’s sound mechanical condition.
Also Read: The 10 Worst Bus Accidents in India in 2024 – A Complete List
Focus Shifts to Accountability
With the confirmation of no mechanical fault in the electric bus involved in the Kurla crash, attention now shifts to driver accountability and the systemic measures needed to prevent such tragedies.
This case highlights the critical importance of robust safety practices, comprehensive driver training, and regular vehicle maintenance in public transport operations.
