BEST bus crashes into Chhagan Bhujbal’s bungalow, 65-year-old woman, 2 others hurt

Three passengers, including a 65-year-old woman were injured after a BEST bus (route number 121) crashed into the main gate of NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal’s official residence, Ramtek on Monday.

Three passengers, including a 65-year-old woman were injured after a BEST bus (route number 121) crashed into the main gate of NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal’s official residence, Ramtek on Monday.

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Vasanti Sankpal, 65, Ram Pravesh Malla, 18, and Diana Anthony Rodrigues, 29, suffered injuries and were admitted to Nair hospital for treatment. “Ram and Diana have broken noses, while Vasanti suffered chin injury,” said Dr MK Sanjana Acting Dean of Nair Hospital.

The police have registered a case against the 52-year-old driver Haider Shah Hamid Shah Pathan under Sections 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 279 (rash driving) of the Indian Penal Code.

According to the Malabar Hill police, the bus (route number 121) was reaching its last stop, J Mehta Marg, near the bungalow at around 11:45 am. Vinay Bagade, senior inspector of Malabar Hill police station said, “The driver lost control of the bus at the sharp turn as the steering got locked. He couldn’t take the turn, and ended up crashing into the Bhujbal residence.”

BEST committee members pointed out increasing number of accident involving BEST buses. “Steps need to be taken to make public transport safe. The administration needs to take stern action to tackle this problem. They can appoint a committee to investigate the accident,” said Kedar Hombalkar, BEST committee member.