Kurla Bus Accident: BEST To Slap ₹4 Lakh Penalty On Contractor Of Vehicle; ₹5 Lakh Aid Sought For Injured Victims' Medical Bills

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking will issue a notice to the wet lease contractor involved in the horrific Kurla bus crash on December 9. The notice includes a penalty of Rs 4 lakh, along with a demand for reimbursement of hospital expenses amounting to approximately Rs 4–5 lakh for the 41 injured, as per reports.

A senior BEST traffic official stated that penalties would be levied as per the contract, which outlines liabilities for such infractions. Additionally, it is standard practice for the private contractor to cover hospital bills in such incidents, as reported by the Times of India.

BEST Forms Committee To Look After Compensation & Grievances Of Injured

The fatal crash resulted in the loss of eight lives and injuries to 41 others. A committee formed by BEST to address compensation and grievances has proposed offering Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased. The committee plans to recover these compensation amounts from the private contractor.

On Tuesday, committee members met Akhtar Khan (52), an injured victim recently discharged from Bhabha Hospital. Dr Anil Kumar Singal, a member of the committee, confirmed that Khan, an autorickshaw driver, had suffered a spinal injury but is now out of danger. BEST has facilitated financial assistance for his medical treatment and will also compensate him for damage to his autorickshaw.

Details On The Horrifying Accident

The bus involved in the Kurla accident collided with 30-40 vehicles along a 100-meter stretch before crashing into the RCC column of the Solomon Building, breaking its compound wall, as stated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced immediate financial aid of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased. Meanwhile, relatives of the victims have urged the Chief Minister to ensure that the driver responsible for the tragedy faces strict punishment.