A 24-year-old Swiggy delivery executive who died in the horrific BEST bus accident near Veer Kotwal Garden in Dadar on June 8 was the sole earning member of his family and had been preparing to travel to his hometown later this month for discussions regarding his marriage.
The victim, identified as Niyaz Ahmad, was killed when an electric BEST bus operating on Route 463 reportedly lost control near Veer Kotwal Garden at around 9:30 am. The bus crashed into a crane and rammed into multiple vehicles, including a private car, taxi, Uber cab, two motorcycles, and Ahmad's electric scooter.
Ahmad was rushed to Sion Hospital following the accident but was declared dead before admission. Six other people were injured in the crash. Another delivery worker, 22-year-old Rishabh Gupta, sustained serious head and chest injuries and remains under treatment.
Moved to Mumbai in Search of Better Opportunities
According to family members, Ahmad had moved to Mumbai nearly five years ago from Uttar Pradesh in search of better employment opportunities. He lived with his cousin in the city and worked as a delivery executive for Swiggy to support his parents and younger sister back home.
His uncle, Roz Ali, said Ahmad had previously sold onions and potatoes on a handcart but later joined the food delivery platform to earn a higher income and save money for his sister's marriage.
"Niyaz was the only earning member of the family. His parents and younger sister depended entirely on him," Ali said.
Marriage Plans Cut Short
Family members said Ahmad had recently begun discussions regarding his own marriage and was scheduled to travel to Uttar Pradesh later this month.
"He was supposed to visit his hometown on June 17 to meet the prospective bride's family. Marriage talks were underway, and he was very excited about the future," Ali said.
According to relatives, Ahmad had also been making plans for his younger sister's wedding and had expressed confidence that he was now financially stable enough to support both family milestones.
Family Seeks Compensation
Following the tragedy, Ahmad's family has appealed to both the government and Swiggy for financial assistance.
"We hope to receive compensation from both the government and the company he worked for. His father has a visual impairment, and the entire family depended on Niyaz's income," Ali said.
Recalling the moment he learned of the accident, Ali said he received a phone call while at work informing him that Ahmad had been injured. By the time he reached the hospital, he was informed that his nephew had died.
The family is currently awaiting the release of Ahmad's body so it can be taken to their native village in Uttar Pradesh for the final rites.