Mangaluru: A city bus that had collided with a scooter near Nanthoor bus stand last Wednesday, resulting in the death of a pillion rider, was involved in another accident on Monday after it rammed into a motorcycle near Gurpur Kaikamba. The latest incident left the biker with minor injuries, while raising fresh concerns among commuters about bus driving standards and road safety enforcement.
According to preliminary information, the accident occurred on Monday afternoon when the bus was operating on the Kaikamba route via Vamanjoor. During the journey, it struck a motorcycle moving ahead on the same stretch. The impact caused the two-wheeler to topple, and it briefly came under the moving bus before the vehicle was brought under control.
The motorcycle rider sustained minor injuries and managed to escape without life-threatening harm. Bystanders rushed to assist immediately after the collision. Despite the seriousness of the incident, no police case has been registered so far in connection with the crash, officials said.
Vehicle linked to last week’s fatal Nanthoor accident
Transport sources confirmed that the bus involved in Monday’s collision is the same vehicle that was part of a fatal accident near Nanthoor bus stand last Wednesday. In that earlier incident, a scooter was hit, leading to the death of a pillion rider and causing public outrage.
However, authorities clarified that the driver behind the wheel during Monday’s accident was not the same person who drove the bus during the Nanthoor collision. Following the fatal crash last week, that driver had been arrested and removed from duty pending further legal and departmental action.
Officials indicated that vehicle ownership and fitness records will be reviewed as part of routine follow-up, though no mechanical fault has yet been cited in either case.
Rider escapes serious injury in latest collision
Eyewitnesses at the Gurpur Kaikamba stretch said the bus and motorcycle were travelling in the same direction when the collision took place. The biker reportedly lost balance after contact and fell onto the road, with the two-wheeler sliding beneath part of the bus body.
Quick braking by the bus driver and alert reactions from nearby road users helped prevent a more serious outcome. The injured rider was assisted to safety and later treated for minor injuries. No hospitalisation was required, according to sources at the scene.
The absence of a registered case has surprised some local residents, who pointed out that repeated incidents involving the same vehicle warrant closer scrutiny.
Separate negligent driving complaint near Kottara Chowki
In a separate road safety incident reported on Monday evening near Kottara Chowki, a private express bus with a tyre puncture was allegedly driven in a negligent manner, creating a dangerous situation for a couple travelling on a two-wheeler nearby.
Witnesses said the damaged bus continued to be driven despite the puncture, swerving in a way that put nearby vehicles at risk. The couple on the two-wheeler narrowly escaped being hit after the bus reportedly veered close to their path.
Members of the public intervened and stopped the bus, following which traffic police personnel arrived at the spot and questioned the driver about his actions.
Driver fined after casual response to police
During questioning, the bus driver allegedly responded casually when asked about the risk caused, reportedly saying words to the effect of whether anyone had actually come under the bus. The response drew strong objection from officers present, who treated the matter seriously.
Traffic police imposed a fine on the driver for negligent conduct and unsafe operation of the vehicle. After issuing the penalty and a warning, officials allowed him to leave. Authorities said such behaviour from commercial drivers would not be taken lightly, especially when public safety is at stake.
Rising concern over heavy vehicle safety
The back-to-back incidents involving buses have triggered renewed discussion among commuters about heavy vehicle safety, driver accountability and stricter monitoring of public and private bus operations. Regular passengers have called for more rigorous checks, refresher training for drivers and stricter enforcement against rash or careless driving.
Road safety observers note that even minor lapses in judgment by heavy vehicle drivers can lead to severe consequences due to vehicle size and stopping distance. They emphasise the need for continuous supervision, dashboard cameras and periodic fitness checks for both drivers and vehicles.
Police sources said enforcement drives and surprise inspections are likely to continue across major corridors, with special focus on commercial passenger vehicles.
Conclusion
While no fatalities occurred in Monday’s two incidents, the narrow escapes have underscored the risks associated with negligent or inattentive bus driving. With one vehicle already linked to a recent fatal crash, authorities are expected to face increased pressure to tighten oversight and ensure safer public road transport operations.