Bengaluru: A tragic accident on Thursday morning claimed the life of a 10-year-old schoolgirl in Yelahanka after she fell from a scooter and came under the wheels of a BMTC bus. The incident, which occurred on Kogilu Main Road, has sparked renewed concerns about road safety and the recent spate of fatal mishaps involving city buses.

Victim was on her way to school

The victim, identified as Tanvi Krishna, a fifth-grade student, was travelling with her mother Harshitha and younger sister on a two-wheeler when the accident took place. According to police, the scooter reportedly lost balance near ongoing roadwork and a parked vehicle, causing all three riders to fall.

While the mother and younger child sustained minor injuries, Tanvi tragically came under the rear wheels of a BMTC bus operating on the Yelahanka–Shivajinagar route. She died on the spot.

Case registered against driver

The Yelahanka Traffic Police have filed a case against the BMTC driver under charges of negligent and reckless driving. The bus, attached to BMTC’s Depot–11, was seized for investigation.

Officials stated that CCTV footage shows the scooter slipping directly into the bus’s path, leaving little reaction time for the driver. However, a formal inquiry is underway to determine liability.

A BMTC spokesperson expressed condolences to the grieving family, saying: “This is a deeply unfortunate incident. We are committed to cooperating fully with authorities and ensuring safety measures are strictly followed.”

Third fatal accident in three days

This tragedy marks the third fatal accident involving BMTC buses in as many days:

  • August 19: Roshan, a 37-year-old software engineer, died at Sanjaynagar after losing control of his bike and being run over by a BMTC bus.
  • August 20: P. Sampangi, a 64-year-old man, fell while boarding an electric BMTC bus at Jayanagar bus terminal and died of head injuries.
  • August 21: Tanvi Krishna, the 10-year-old student, lost her life in Yelahanka after falling from a scooter.

The series of incidents has prompted criticism of BMTC’s safety standards and calls for stricter driver accountability.

Road safety concerns rise

Commuters and road safety advocates have highlighted the risks posed by narrow roads, heavy traffic, poor road conditions, and construction activities that increase the likelihood of accidents. In Tanvi’s case, ongoing roadwork and a parked vehicle reportedly contributed to the scooter losing balance.

Experts suggest that improved traffic management, safer pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and better driver training are urgently needed in Bengaluru to prevent such tragedies.

Conclusion

With three lives lost in as many days, BMTC is facing scrutiny over its safety record. While investigations are underway, the accidents have reignited debate on urban mobility and road safety in the city. For Bengaluru residents, the message is stark: unless authorities take stronger preventive measures, the city’s roads will remain perilous for both commuters and pedestrians.