New Delhi: Investigations into the bus crash in Kurla, Maharashtra, which resulted in the deaths of seven people and numerous injuries, have confirmed that driver Sanjay Dutta More was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. Blood tests conducted on More returned negative for alcohol.
Ongoing investigations are currently exploring the possibility that the crash may have been intentional, although the motive remains unclear.
On December 9, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus collided with approximately 49 individuals and struck over 30 vehicles around 9:30 p.m. in the densely populated Kurla West market area. The driver reportedly lost control, causing widespread destruction.
The bus driver has been remanded to police custody until December 21 following the incident.
In response to the tragedy, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased and pledged to cover all medical expenses for the injured. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted, with appropriate consequences for those responsible.
Additionally, BEST has offered Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and has initiated an internal probe headed by Chief Manager Ramesh Madavi. Leaders from the Shiv Sena (UBT), Nationalist Congress Party, and the Congress have called for a comprehensive inquiry and strict punishment for those accountable for the disaster.