#JUSTIN: BMC Inspection Finds Weakened Core Roots in Tree That Killed Schoolboy

A preliminary investigation has found that the collapse of a large peepal tree onto a school van in Mumbai's Chembur, which claimed the life of an 11-year-old boy and injured four other students, may have been caused by a weakened central root system. Civic officials said they will also examine whether recent road concretisation work around the tree contributed to its collapse. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon on Road No. 11 in Subhash Nagar, where the school van was carrying 12 students from Universal High School.

The victim was identified as Vihan Srivastav, who died after the tree fell directly onto the vehicle. Four other students sustained injuries and were rushed for medical treatment. Emergency responders, including personnel from the Mumbai Fire Brigade and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), quickly reached the scene to remove the fallen tree, rescue the occupants and clear the road for emergency operations.

Following the rescue operation, officials from the BMC's garden department and the Mumbai Fire Brigade conducted a preliminary inspection of the site. According to civic authorities, the side roots of the tree appeared to be intact, but the central root system had significantly weakened, causing the tree to lose stability and collapse. Officials said the exact reason behind the weakening has not yet been determined and will be established through a detailed investigation.

Also Read: Mumbai Gets Heavy Rains But Lakes Stay Critically Low at 8% Capacity

Authorities are also investigating whether recent road concretisation work carried out around the tree may have damaged its root structure. Officials said they would examine whether excavation near the base of the tree was undertaken without adequate safeguards, potentially affecting its stability. The findings of the inquiry will help determine whether construction activity played a role in the accident.

The tragedy comes amid a rise in tree-fall incidents across Mumbai following the onset of the monsoon season. According to BMC records, the city reported 36 tree collapse incidents between Monday and Tuesday morning, including 23 in the western suburbs, six in the eastern suburbs and seven in the island city. The recurring incidents have renewed concerns about the structural health of roadside trees during periods of heavy rainfall and strong winds.

The BMC is expected to continue its investigation while reviewing tree safety measures and maintenance practices across the city. Officials have reiterated the importance of regular inspections, particularly for large roadside trees located near schools, residential areas and busy roads. The findings of the inquiry could also influence future guidelines governing construction work around existing trees to reduce the risk of similar tragedies.

Also Read: Mumbai Breaks Monsoon Drought; Heavy Rains Forecast Within Days