Bengaluru: Two young children aged four and two died in a tragic road accident after a private school bus collided with a scooter near the police quarters in RK Hedge Nagar in northeastern Bengaluru on Wednesday morning. A police constable who was riding the scooter and accompanying the children sustained minor injuries in the incident, according to police officials.
The accident occurred during the morning hours when traffic movement in the area was beginning to build up with office commuters and school vehicles on the road. The incident has once again raised concerns about road safety, school bus operations, and child safety while travelling on two-wheelers.
Police have arrested the bus driver and registered a case of negligent driving causing death. Further investigation is underway.
Accident near police quarters
According to preliminary information from the police, the mishap took place at around 8:15 am near the police quarters in RK Hedge Nagar under the Hennur police station limits.
The deceased children have been identified as Bhanu (4) and Varsha (2). Bhanu was the daughter of Naganagowda, a police constable posted with the City Armed Reserve (CAR). Varsha was his niece. Officials said the constable had been taking care of both children at the time of the incident.
Police said Naganagowda was travelling on a scooter with the two children to purchase milk when the collision took place. A private school bus approaching from the opposite direction reportedly hit the two-wheeler while taking a turn at a junction near the quarters.
Due to the impact, all three fell onto the road. Passersby and local residents immediately rushed to help and alerted emergency services.
Children declared brought dead
Emergency responders shifted the injured to a nearby hospital. However, doctors declared both children brought dead on arrival, officials confirmed.
The constable sustained minor injuries and was treated as an outpatient. Police sources said he is in a stable condition but in deep shock following the incident.
Senior traffic police officers and local law and order officials visited the accident spot soon after receiving information. The area was briefly cordoned off to document evidence and assess road conditions, vehicle position, and skid marks.
Driver arrested, bus seized
The Hennur police have arrested the school bus driver, identified as Mareppa, a native of Yadagiri district. A case has been registered against him for causing death by negligence and rash driving under relevant provisions of law.
The bus involved in the accident has been seized for mechanical inspection. Officials said they will verify the vehicle’s fitness certificate, permit status, insurance papers, and driver credentials, including licence validity and duty hours.
Police are also examining whether the bus was overspeeding or if visibility issues and road design contributed to the crash. CCTV footage from nearby buildings and traffic points is being collected as part of the probe.
Safety concerns raised again
The fatal accident has triggered renewed concern among residents about road safety in fast-growing residential layouts of northeastern Bengaluru, where a mix of school buses, private vehicles, two-wheelers, and pedestrian movement often share narrow internal roads.
Traffic experts note that junction turns near residential clusters and institutional zones require speed control, warning signage, and stricter enforcement, especially during school commute hours.
Child safety advocates also reiterate that carrying very young children on the front portion of two-wheelers increases risk exposure, particularly in mixed traffic conditions. While such practices are common for short neighbourhood trips, authorities have repeatedly advised safer transport arrangements wherever possible.
Investigation continues
Police said statements from witnesses are being recorded and the route map of the school bus is being verified. Investigators will also check whether the bus was on an authorised route and schedule at the time of the accident.
Officials added that a detailed accident reconstruction report will be prepared to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the collision.
Further legal action will depend on technical findings and supporting evidence gathered during the investigation.
Conclusion
The Bengaluru accident, which claimed the lives of two very young children, highlights the continuing dangers on city roads even during short local trips. With the driver arrested and investigation in progress, authorities say accountability will be fixed based on evidence. The incident has also prompted fresh calls for stricter adherence to road safety norms around residential and school zones.