Pillion rider dies after BEST bus hits bike

MUMBAI: A contractor, Mahendra Mandal (52), lost his life after the motorcycle on which he was riding pillion was hit by a BEST bus in Jogeshwari (East). The bike rider, Manish More (30), sustained minor injuries in the mishap that took place on Tuesday.
The bus driver, Mahendra Benale (46), was arrested on negligence charges. He was produced before a court on Wednesday and released on bail.
The incident occurred at 8.05pm, when the AC bus (route no AS-524), driving at high speed near Shyam Nagar on Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road, hit the bike from behind. “The bus was heading towards Borivli from CBD Belapur. Mandal was thrown off the bike,” said an official.
Mandal was taken to Sion Hospital and died during treatment. Doctors said he had sustained grievous internal injuries. BEST sources said another biker, Bhavesh Khatri, was injured. BEST has instituted an inquiry and sources said Benale may be suspended. BEST PRO Virendra Bagul said, “Initial probe shows the driver’s negligence. He has said there was a problem with the brakes.”