This is the shocking moment an out-of-control bus ploughed through cars, killing five and injuring dozens in India.

CCTV footage shows the coach barreling through a road near the bustling Kurla West Market in Mumbai City in Maharashtra state on December 9.

It crashed into several vehicles, including a police jeep, as terrified pedestrians fled from the roadside.

Shiv Sena MLA Dilip Lande said: 'A bus that left Kurla Station experienced brake failure, and the driver lost control of the bus.

'The driver was scared, and instead of pressing the brake, he pressed the accelerator and the speed of the bus increased.'

Authorities said at least five people were killed, and 36 more were wounded. The injured survivors were rushed to the Bhabha Hospital and nearby clinics for treatment.

Police arrested the bus driver, Sanjay More, who was accused of drink driving and was said to have been smiling during the road rampage. They added they were investigating the brake failure claims.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the families of the injured and deceased will receive financial aid.

He said in a statement: 'We share the grief of their families and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.'

India has a high rate of traffic accidents due to poor road infrastructure, lack of traffic rule enforcement, and high vehicle density. Risky driving behaviour such as speeding, overloading, and inadequate training also often go unpunished.