Mangaluru: In a shocking incident, two female students were injured after falling from a moving Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus in Mangaluru. The accident occurred in Kaliya village of Belthangady taluk in Dakshina Kannada district.
The victims, who are reportedly siblings, were travelling in a KSRTC bus from Puttur to Dharmasthala when the incident took place.
Accident occurred at a turn in Kaliya village
According to initial reports, the sisters had boarded the bus at Gerukatte. As the bus proceeded along the route and reached a turning point in Kaliya village, the door of the moving bus allegedly opened suddenly.
Due to the unexpected opening of the door and the motion of the vehicle at the curve, both students lost their balance and were thrown out onto the road.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the younger sister attempted to hold onto the elder sibling as she began to fall. However, in the process, both lost their grip and fell off the bus, landing on the roadside.
Incident caught on CCTV
The entire episode was reportedly captured on nearby CCTV cameras, providing visual evidence of the accident. The footage is expected to play a crucial role in determining the exact sequence of events and whether there was any mechanical failure or negligence involved.
Authorities are likely to review the footage as part of any inquiry into the incident.
Students sustain minor injuries
Fortunately, both students escaped with their lives and sustained only minor injuries. They were immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital for treatment.
Medical sources indicated that the injuries are not life-threatening, and both are currently under observation. Their condition is said to be stable.
Safety concerns raised over bus operations
The incident has raised concerns regarding passenger safety in public transport buses, particularly relating to door mechanisms and overcrowding. Questions are being asked about whether the bus door was properly secured and if safety protocols were followed by the driver and conductor.
Public transport authorities may initiate an internal review to assess whether proper maintenance checks were conducted and if staff adhered to safety guidelines during the journey.
Conclusion
While the two students narrowly escaped a potentially fatal accident, the incident highlights the urgent need for stricter safety measures in public transportation. Ensuring that bus doors remain securely closed while in motion and that passengers are not placed in vulnerable positions is critical to preventing such mishaps in the future.