Mumbai: BEST Electric Bus Emits Smoke After Collision At Byculla, Driver's Swift Action Prevents Fire

Mumbai: A potentially hazardous situation was averted on Tuesday when an electric wet lease bus of BEST Undertaking emitted black smoke after a minor collision near Ansari Chowk. The incident occurred at around 1:15 PM as the bus, bearing number 8337 and operated under wet lease by Olectra, was enroute to Jijamata Udyan from Nana Chowk on route A-126.

According to an official of BEST, the bus was negotiating a right turn towards Ismail Merchant Chowk when a biker suddenly crossed its path. In an attempt to avoid a collision, the bus driver swerved slightly, causing the roof-mounted battery of the electric bus to graze against a horizontal pillar of an under-construction bridge parallel to Byculla Bridge. This contact resulted in black smoke emanating from the battery.

"The driver acted swiftly to mitigate the situation, took the bus aside, and used the extinguisher (provided in the bus) before a fire could break out. There were only a few passengers on the bus, and fortunately, no one was injured. His quick response prevented the smoke from escalating into a fire," said the official.

"The bus was inspected following the incident. Authorities have begun an investigation into the mishap to ensure such incidents can be prevented in the future," he added.

While the timely action by the driver averted a major disaster, concerns are being raised about the safety of electric buses operating in congested urban areas, especially near construction zones.

BEST officials have assured the public that safety protocols for electric vehicles will be reviewed and reinforced.