Mumbai News: 2 Women Killed In Collision Between BEST Buses And Autorickshaw In Goregaon

Mumbai: In a devastating incident that took place in the early hours of Sunday, two individuals lost their lives in a fatal accident involving two BEST buses and an autorickshaw. The incident occurred on the Goregaon check Naka Bridge of the Western Express Highway. 

The victims have been identified as Johny Sankharam, aged 42, and Sujata Panchaki, aged 38.

The buses involved in the accident were Bus No. 1453 (MH 01 AP 0226) and Bus No. 1862 (MH 01 AP 0746), both of which were en route from Poisar Depot to Ghatkopar Depot for a depot transfer. Bus No. 1453 was driven by Santosh Vishnu Deoolkar, 53 years old, while Bus No. 1862 was operated by Santosh Shankar Ghonge, 45 years old.

This is how the accident unfolded:

At approximately 1:45 AM, the driver of Bus No. 1862 applied the brakes, prompting the driver of Bus No. 1453 to do the same. Unfortunately, due to the slippery road conditions caused by heavy rainfall, Bus No. 1453 skidded and collided first with Bus No. 1862 and then with an autorickshaw.

Tragically, the passengers of the autorickshaw, Johny Sankharam and Sujata Panchaki, sustained severe injuries. They were promptly rushed to a Trauma Care Hospital by the police. However, despite the efforts of medical professionals, Johny Sankharam was pronounced dead at 2:45 AM, before admission. Sujata Panchaki was transferred to Kokilaben Hospital in Andheri, where she was declared dead by the doctor at 3:45 AM. The autorickshaw driver sustained minor injuries to his left cheek and is currently receiving medical treatment. 

Drivers arrested for rash driving

The area where the accident occurred falls under the jurisdiction of Vanrai police in Aarey Colony. Police registered a first information report (FIR) against the two drivers and arrested them for the charges of rash driving, causing death by negligence under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Motor Vehicles Act. "The two drivers were presented in court today and were remanded to police custody," said Rampiyare Rajbhar, senior police inspector of Vanrai police station.

The other authorities are also subsequently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident and ascertain any additional factors that may have contributed to the tragedy.