This morning in Pinjore, Haryana, an over-crowded mini-bus operated by the Haryana Roadways went out of control at a sharp bend located near Naulta village around 7:30 a.m. Consequently, the accident resulted in 50 people getting hurt; of whom 33 were from a government school in Kalka.
Overloaded Bus, Rash Driving Blamed
According to reports, more than 50 passengers were carried by a vehicle which was too small-thereby breaching its authorized maximum carrying capacity. Onboard students and other travellers stated that the driver of the same ride was over-speeding hence causing the car crash.
Students Hospitalized, Driver on the Run
The Civil Hospital in Sector 6, Panchkula, took in the injured students and six other passengers in an emergency. By evening, the hospital had treated most of them for minor injuries and discharged them. Meanwhile, one woman had sustained a serious arm injury and the hospital had to refer her to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh.
The bus driver, Yash Pal, fled the scene following the accident. However, conductor Sandeep Kumar sustained facial injuries and was admitted to the hospital.
Locals Take Charge, Investigation Launched
Residents of Naulta village and nearby areas played a crucial role in the aftermath of the accident. They pulled the injured passengers out of the overturned vehicle and transported them to the nearby government polyclinic in Kalka. Those requiring further medical attention were then shifted to the Panchkula Civil Hospital.
The Panchkula district administration has initiated an investigation into the accident. The police are currently determining the cause of the mishap.
Driver Arrested, Officials Visit Injured
Following the incident, Ashok Kaushik, General Manager of Haryana Roadways, Panchkula, took swift action and suspended both the bus driver and conductor.
Panchkula Deputy Commissioner Yash Garg and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Himadri Kaushik, along with officials from the Transport Department and political leaders, visited the injured at the Civil Hospital.
Hospital Reports Positive, Recovery Expected
Dr. Garg provided an update on the injured, stating that nearly 50 individuals received medical attention. Thankfully, no life-threatening injuries were reported. Over 30 students were treated at the Panchkula Civil Hospital, while others were kept under observation at the Pinjore hospital.
Dr Mukta Kumar, Civil Surgeon at the Civil Hospital, Sector 6, confirmed that only a woman bystander with a severe injury was shifted to the PGI for further treatment.
Later in the day, there was positive news that police had indeed captured bus driver Yash Pal who at first ran away. A case of reckless driving and endangering the life of the general public had been registered against him under the relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (Indian Penal Code).
This incident highlights the importance of road safety measures and responsible driving practices. Overloading vehicles and reckless driving pose serious risks to passengers and should be strictly avoided.
