A BEST bus on Route 242 suffered a brake failure in Andheri West, Mumbai, colliding with four cars and an auto‑rickshaw. No fatalities were reported, but traffic disruption and vehicle damage occurred. Police have launched a preliminary investigation.

Key Takeaways

  • BEST bus No. 242 experienced brake failure, causing a multi‑vehicle collision in Andheri
  • Four private cars and an auto‑rickshaw were damaged; no injuries reported
  • Mumbai Police and BMC Fire Brigade responded quickly to secure the scene

On Friday evening at approximately 6:10 p.m., a BEST bus operating on Route 242 (Tilak Nagar – Andheri) lost braking capability in the Amboli area of Andheri West, Mumbai. The sudden loss of control forced the bus into a cluster of four private cars and an auto‑rickshaw, resulting in extensive vehicle damage but no loss of life.

Incident Details

According to information from BEST Traffic Control, the driver attempted to apply the brakes after the system failed, but the brakes did not respond. Consequently, the bus surged forward and struck the waiting vehicles at a busy intersection. The impact blocked a portion of the road, causing a short‑term traffic jam that lasted for several minutes.

Immediate Emergency Response

Following the crash, personnel from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Fire Brigade and Mumbai Police rushed to the site. Emergency crews administered first‑aid to any passengers, escorted the injured drivers to safety, and began clearing the damaged vehicles to restore traffic flow. Police also directed traffic away from the crash zone to prevent further congestion.

Police Investigation

Mumbai Police have opened a preliminary inquiry. Investigators will conduct a thorough examination of the bus’s braking system, interview the driver and eyewitnesses, and review maintenance records. If the brake failure is confirmed, it could trigger a wider audit of the city’s public‑transport fleet.

Implications for Public Transport Safety

This incident adds to a series of recent concerns about the reliability of BEST’s fleet. Transport safety experts argue that systematic preventive maintenance, real‑time diagnostics, and enhanced driver training are essential to avoid repeat occurrences. The outcome of the investigation may shape future regulatory standards for Mumbai’s mass‑transit vehicles.