NEW DELHI: CCTV footage from the BEST electric bus that ran over seven people in Mumbai’s Kurla on Monday shows driver Sanjay More collecting two backpacks and jumping out of a broken window after the crash.
The accident, which also injured 42 people and damaged 22 vehicles, has raised questions about driver training and safety protocols.
The footage, circulated on social media, captures moments of panic inside the bus as it went out of control on the busy SG Barve Marg around 9.30pm.
Passengers clung to poles and grab handles as the vehicle struck pedestrians and vehicles. After the bus swerved to a halt, several passengers escaped through shattered windows, with More seen exiting the cabin with backpacks in hand.
More, arrested on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, has been remanded in police custody until December 21.
Investigators revealed that he had no prior experience driving electric vehicles and underwent just a 10-day training program.
In the wake of the incident, BEST officials have made breath analyzer tests mandatory for drivers and are reviewing training modules for operators supplying buses on a wet lease model.
Private operators have been asked to submit details of driver training and safety measures.
A senior BEST official said an internal investigation is underway, and findings will be submitted to the state government.
Under the wet lease arrangement, private contractors are responsible for driver training and maintenance.
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