Bengaluru: A tragic road accident claimed the lives of a 37-year-old woman and her eight-year-old son after they were run over by a school bus heading towards Jain Global Campus school in Jakkasandra on Monday morning. The incident has triggered widespread concern over road safety and the conduct of school transport drivers during peak traffic hours in the city.
The deceased have been identified as P Sangeetha (37) and her son Parth (8). According to police, the accident occurred on Viveknagar Road when Sangeetha was accompanying her son to school. The impact of the collision was so severe that both died on the spot. The driver of the school bus fled the scene immediately after the accident.
Sequence of events leading to the tragedy
As per preliminary police investigations, Sangeetha and her son were walking along Viveknagar Road during the busy morning hours when the school bus approached at speed. Witnesses stated that the bus, which was en route to Jain Global Campus school in Jakkasandra, suddenly swerved and hit the woman and the child.
The collision threw both of them onto the road, leaving them with fatal injuries. Passersby rushed to help, but the victims had already succumbed to their injuries by the time assistance arrived. The incident occurred during peak school and office hours, when traffic congestion is common in the area.
Eyewitnesses also reported that the bus did not stop after the accident. Instead, the driver allegedly sped away, abandoning the victims at the scene.
Police response and investigation
Upon receiving information about the accident, local police rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area to regulate traffic and facilitate preliminary investigation. The bodies of Sangeetha and Parth were later shifted to a nearby government hospital, where post-mortem examinations were conducted as per procedure.
A senior police officer said that an initial assessment suggests rash and negligent driving. “Due to the morning rush, the driver appears to have been in a hurry. This resulted in the bus hitting the woman and her son. After the accident, the driver fled, which is a serious offence,” the officer said.
The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to causing death by negligence and fleeing the scene of an accident. Efforts are underway to trace the absconding driver.
Search for absconding driver
Police teams have been formed to identify and apprehend the driver responsible for the accident. CCTV footage from the surrounding areas is being examined to trace the route taken by the bus after the incident. Officials are also verifying records related to the school bus, including the transport contractor, driver details and fitness certificates.
The school management has been asked to cooperate fully with the investigation and provide all necessary documents. Sources said notices may be issued to the school authorities seeking clarification on driver recruitment, training and adherence to safety norms.
“We are confident of tracing the driver soon. No one involved in such a serious incident will be spared,” a police official said.
Safety concerns over school buses
The incident has once again raised serious questions about the safety of school transportation in Bengaluru. Parents and resident welfare associations have repeatedly expressed concern over rash driving by school bus drivers, especially during peak hours.
Traffic experts point out that many school buses operate under tight schedules, leading drivers to overspeed or drive aggressively to adhere to time constraints. Lack of strict monitoring and accountability often worsens the situation.
Road safety activists have called for stricter enforcement of norms, including speed governors, regular driver training and mandatory background checks. “Children and pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users. Incidents like this underline the urgent need for reform in school transport operations,” said a city-based road safety campaigner.
Appeal for caution during peak hours
Police have appealed to motorists to exercise extra caution during morning and evening rush hours, particularly near schools and residential areas. They have also urged pedestrians to remain alert while crossing or walking along busy roads.
Authorities said additional checks on school buses may be intensified in the coming days to ensure compliance with traffic and safety regulations. This includes verification of licences, vehicle fitness, insurance and adherence to designated routes.
Conclusion
The death of Sangeetha and her young son Parth has cast a shadow over the city and left the local community in shock. As police intensify efforts to nab the absconding driver, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of reckless driving and the urgent need to prioritise road safety, especially when it involves school transport. The coming days will be crucial in determining accountability and preventing similar tragedies in the future.