New Delhi: Two people lost their lives and at least 23 others were injured after a double-decker sleeper bus overturned in the Karol Bagh area of the national capital late on Tuesday night.
Accident near temple in early hours
The accident occurred around 1 am near the Jhandewalan temple when the bus, travelling from Jaipur in Rajasthan to Delhi, reportedly lost control and overturned on the road. There were around 25 passengers on board at the time of the incident.
The crash caused panic in the area, especially as it took place close to a prominent religious site during the ongoing Navratri celebrations, when footfall in the locality is typically higher.
Rescue operations launched immediately
Emergency services responded swiftly to the accident. Two fire service vehicles were rushed to the spot, and rescue operations were initiated without delay. Police personnel and local authorities also assisted in clearing the wreckage and helping passengers.
Eyewitnesses reported that two children and a woman were initially trapped beneath the overturned bus. Rescue teams worked carefully to extricate them from under the vehicle and provide immediate medical assistance.
The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials have not yet released detailed information on the condition of all those injured, but several are believed to have sustained serious injuries.
Visuals show extent of damage
Visuals from the scene showed extensive damage to the bus. Seats were dislodged, window panes shattered, and parts of the vehicle, including wheels, were found detached and scattered around the accident site.
The overturned vehicle blocked a portion of the road, affecting traffic movement in the area for some time until authorities cleared the site.
Overspeeding suspected as cause
Preliminary investigations suggest that overspeeding may have been a major factor behind the accident. Police officials indicated that the driver may have lost control of the vehicle due to high speed, leading to the overturning.
Authorities have begun a detailed inquiry to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. Statements from the driver, passengers, and eyewitnesses are expected to play a crucial role in determining accountability.
Safety concerns raised
The incident has once again raised concerns over road safety and adherence to speed regulations, particularly for long-distance passenger buses. Experts have often highlighted the risks associated with overspeeding and driver fatigue during late-night travel.
With increasing cases of such accidents being reported, there is a growing call for stricter enforcement of safety norms, including regular vehicle checks and monitoring of driver behaviour.
Impact during festive period
The accident occurred during the Navratri festival, a time when many devotees visit temples, including the Jhandewalan temple. While no casualties among pedestrians were reported, the timing of the incident added to the seriousness of the situation.
Authorities ensured that the area was secured quickly to prevent further mishaps and manage the flow of devotees and traffic.
Conclusion
The tragic accident highlights the need for greater vigilance and stricter compliance with road safety norms. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to take necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure safer travel for passengers.