Mumbai: Drunken passenger's rage leads to fatal bus crash, near Lalbaug signal; leaves one dead

On Sunday evening, a tragic incident unfolded in Mumbai when a bus driver, Kamlesh Prajapati, found himself at the center of a catastrophic crash caused by an intoxicated passenger. The accident occurred around 8:30 PM near Ganesh Talkies, close to the Lalbaug signal.

Kamlesh Prajapati, 40, was operating a BEST electric midi bus when the incident took place. According to reports, Datta Murlidhar Shinde, 40, who was under the influence of alcohol, had a heated argument with the driver. In a moment of aggression, Shinde seized control of the steering wheel, causing the bus to veer off course.

𝗗𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗸 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝘂𝘀, 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻, 𝗶𝗻𝗷𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝟳 | Bus driver Kamlesh Prajapati (40) was driving BEST electric midi bus near Ganesh Talkies near the Lalbaug signal in Mumbai on Sunday at 8.30 pm. Following… pic.twitter.com/sLRsuaaWKZ

— MUMBAI NEWS (@Mumbaikhabar9) September 2, 2024

Collision and Consequences

The out-of-control bus collided with multiple vehicles, including cars and a scooter, and struck several pedestrians. The force of the crash was substantial, leading to significant damage and injuries. Among the victims, a woman who had sustained severe injuries succumbed to her wounds during medical treatment. Several people got injured.
Meanwhile, the authorities have started the investigation of the circumstances surrounding the incident. The focus is on understanding how Shinde managed to overpower the driver and the safety measures in place at the time.

The tragic event has raised serious questions about passenger conduct and safety protocols on public transportation.

The accident has left the local community shaken, with many expressing concerns about the safety of public transport. The incident underscores the critical need for stringent measures to prevent such occurrences and ensure the safety of passengers and pedestrians alike.