A major accident near Hediyala in Nanjangud taluk, Mysuru district, left more than ten bus passengers seriously injured after a tire suddenly exploded mid-journey.
The incident occurred on a bus traveling from Begur to H.D. Kote via Hediyala. Among the injured was a 35-year-old woman from Bankahalli village who suffered severe wounds. Another passenger inside the bus sustained a fractured leg due to the blast. Witnesses said several others narrowly escaped fatal injuries.
Former Gram Panchayat president of Hediyala, Nemat Ullah Khan, and his associates rushed the victims to safety. Some passengers were admitted to a private hospital, while others, including Nemat’s friends who were helping with the rescue, are receiving treatment at the government hospital in Saragur.
Locals blamed the Transport Department’s negligence, pointing out that poorly maintained government buses continue to ply despite repeated complaints. Many residents noted that ever since the state government announced free bus travel, especially benefiting women passengers, ridership has surged, but safety standards have not kept pace.
Eyewitness Nemat expressed outrage over the department’s failure to ensure proper maintenance. He urged senior transport officials to take immediate action to replace aging, unreliable buses with safer vehicles to protect public welfare.
With government buses reportedly breaking down frequently along the Hediyala border region, villagers fear more such disasters if authorities remain indifferent.