A horrific accident occurred on December 12th in Kurla West, Mumbai, when a BEST (Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport) electric AC bus lost control, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven people and injuring 42 others.
The bus driver, who had recently transitioned to driving electric buses, admitted during questioning that he was unfamiliar with the vehicle’s automatic transmission system.
Prior to this, More had worked for a private contractor, operating manual transmission buses. He had been assigned to the electric bus on December 1st, and his lack of experience with the automatic system may have contributed to the loss of control.
This tragic incident highlights several issues that need urgent attention to prevent similar accidents in the future. Here are some key solutions that can be implemented:
Improved Driver Training
One of the critical issues that led to this accident appears to be the driver’s unfamiliarity with the new electric bus model. While the transition to electric buses is essential for a sustainable future, it is equally important to ensure that drivers are properly trained to handle new vehicle technologies.
Regular Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance
Another contributing factor could be potential mechanical failure or system glitches in the electric bus.
Enhanced Safety Protocols for Drivers
The driver’s decision to abandon the bus after the accident raised significant concerns about the response to emergencies. BEST should introduce clear and enforceable safety protocols for all drivers.
Investigation into Electric Bus Technology
The electric bus involved in this accident should undergo a thorough technical investigation to identify any potential flaws or weaknesses in its design or systems that might have contributed to the crash.
