Minister Says, Chembur School Bus Tragedy “Beyond Human Control” Draws Criticism; BMC Suspends Two Officials
Minister Says, Chembur School Bus Tragedy "Beyond Human Control" Draws Criticism; BMC Suspends Two Officials
The civic body has suspended two officials for alleged negligence, while the Maharashtra government has ordered a statewide safety survey of ageing roadside trees following the fatal Chembur accident.
An 11-year-old student lost his life and four other children were injured after a large peepal tree collapsed on a school bus in Mumbai’s Chembur area on June 30, prompting disciplinary action against civic officials and renewed concerns over roadside tree safety during the monsoon.
The tree fell on a school bus belonging to Universal High School on Road No. 11 in Chembur while it was carrying 13 students. Vihan Srivastav, 11, sustained critical injuries and was declared dead at Zen Multispeciality Hospital. Four other students suffered minor injuries and are reported to be in stable condition after receiving treatment.
Following the tragedy, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) suspended Jagdish Bhoir, Assistant Garden Superintendent of M West Ward, and Arun Mundhe, Sub-Engineer in the Roads and Traffic Department, pending departmental inquiries. The civic body said prima facie negligence had been established in connection with the incident. Authorities have also directed action against the road contractor responsible for the area.
The BMC stated that the uprooted peepal tree was estimated to be 60 to 70 years old. According to civic officials, the tree had undergone a visual inspection on May 12 and was found to be structurally sound. It was also pruned on May 29 as part of the annual pre-monsoon maintenance drive. However, after the accident, the civic body ordered a fresh inspection and time-bound re-evaluation of potentially hazardous trees across Mumbai.
Residents of the locality alleged that they had repeatedly complained to the BMC about unsafe, top-heavy trees in the area, claiming that earlier warnings had gone unanswered. The allegations have raised questions about the effectiveness of pre-monsoon tree inspections and maintenance.
Maharashtra School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse announced that a comprehensive safety survey of ageing, weak and vulnerable roadside trees would be carried out across Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra to prevent similar incidents.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat expressed grief over the child’s death and said the government would make a statement in the Assembly while directing civic authorities to strengthen safety measures. However, his remark that incidents such as trees falling are “beyond human control” drew criticism from opposition leaders, who argued that proper inspections and preventive maintenance could have avoided the tragedy.
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, who visited the injured children and their families, said the civic administration would not shield anyone found responsible. She added that if local complaints about dangerous trees had been ignored, the strictest action would be taken.
The incident has intensified calls for regular structural audits of old roadside trees, especially near schools, hospitals and other public places, as Mumbai continues to experience heavy monsoon conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happened in the Chembur school bus accident?
A large peepal tree collapsed onto a school bus carrying 13 students in Chembur, killing an 11-year-old boy and injuring four other children.
2. Who was the student who died?
The deceased student was 11-year-old Vihan Srivastav, who suffered critical injuries after the tree fell on the bus.
3. What action has the BMC taken?
The BMC has suspended two officials pending departmental inquiries, ordered action against the road contractor, and initiated a fresh inspection of hazardous trees across Mumbai.
4. What safety measures has the Maharashtra government announced?
The state government has ordered a comprehensive survey of ageing and vulnerable roadside trees across Mumbai and Maharashtra to reduce the risk of similar accidents.
5. Why has the incident sparked controversy?
Residents alleged that repeated complaints about dangerous trees were ignored, while comments by a state minister describing tree falls as beyond human control drew criticism from opposition leaders and local residents.
Disclaimer: The inquiry into the incident is ongoing. Responsibility and further action will be determined based on the findings of the departmental and official investigations.
