8 to 10 passengers hurt as ST bus with failed brakes overturns into roadside pit near Tiosa

A Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (ST) bus overturned into a roadside pit between Salora and Dhotra villages in Tiosa at around 12 noon on Tuesday. The bus was travelling from Gurukunj Mozari to Amravati.

According to preliminary information, the brakes failed and the driver lost control of the bus. Eight to 10 passengers were injured in the accident. The driver and the conductor also suffered minor injuries. It was a relief that no one lost their life.

The bus, numbered MH 40 / Y 5183, was headed from Gurukunj Mozari towards Amravati with 20 to 22 passengers on board. The brakes failed suddenly between Salora and Dhotra, the driver lost control and the bus toppled into the pit by the roadside. The sudden accident set off screams among the passengers inside, and there was confusion at the spot for some time.

On hearing of the accident, people from Salora, Dhotra and Shirajgaon rushed to the spot. Local residents immediately began helping to pull out the passengers trapped in the bus. Kurha police, ST Corporation officials and social workers arrived shortly afterwards. Together they stepped up the rescue work. The injured passengers were taken out of the bus and sent for treatment.

Aarti Wankhade, wife of MLA Rajesh Wankhade, also reached the spot on hearing the news. She enquired after the injured passengers and took the initiative in arranging ambulances so that they could get treatment quickly. The injured have been admitted to the District General Hospital in Amravati for initial treatment.

The accident has again raised questions about the technical condition of ST buses and the safety of passengers. There is a demand for a thorough inquiry into the actual cause of the brake failure on a moving bus. It is hoped that the ST Corporation will take greater care in the maintenance and repair of its buses and put passenger safety first.