Mumbai Tree Fall: 11-Year-Old Killed After Tree Falls on School Bus in Chembur, Mayor Orders Probe

An 11-year-old student was killed and four others were injured after a roadside peepal tree was uprooted and crashed onto a school bus in Mumbai's Chembur area on Tuesday amid heavy rains, officials said.

The bus, belonging to Universal High School, was carrying around 15 students when the accident occurred. Emergency responders, including the Mumbai Fire Brigade and police, rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. The injured students were shifted to Zen Hospital, where four are reported to be in stable condition, while one student succumbed to injuries.

According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the Mumbai Fire Brigade received information about the incident at 2:58 pm. The accident took place near Heritage Pride on Road No. 11 in Chembur, where the uprooted tree fell on a Force school bus (registration number MH03/CV-7439) belonging to Universal High School.

The tragic incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of roadside trees during the monsoon season. Civic authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether the tree had shown signs of weakness or required maintenance before it collapsed.

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde visited the accident site later in the day and assured strict action if the probe finds that complaints by local residents regarding the condition of the tree were ignored by civic officials.

Speaking to reporters, Tawde said the tree that fell on the bus was a large and old peepal tree. While tree trimming had been carried out in the area, she said the investigation would determine whether any lapse occurred.

"I visited the spot. It was a very large tree, and it fell on the school bus while it was passing through the area. I have spoken to the concerned authorities. Tree trimming in the area had been carried out, and an investigation is underway. If it is found that residents had complained about the condition of the tree and the concerned authority failed to act in time, resulting in this tragic incident, the ward officer concerned will face action," the Mayor said.

She added that strict action would be taken against any official found responsible for negligence.

The Mayor also visited the injured students at the hospital and said the BMC was extending all necessary assistance to the children and their families. She expressed grief over the death of the young student.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over Mumbai and surrounding areas in the coming days, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions.

The investigation into the cause of the tree collapse and any possible negligence by civic authorities is underway.