Mysuru: Two people were killed and 14 passengers injured after a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus overturned near Avaragere Bridge in Bidadi on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway on Saturday morning.
Driver and conductor among those killed
The deceased have been identified as the driver and conductor of the KSRTC bus, which belonged to the Kozhikode depot.
The white-coloured Super Deluxe bus was travelling along the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway when it reportedly veered towards the left side of the road. The vehicle then crashed into a roadside board before overturning.
The impact resulted in the deaths of the driver and conductor, while 14 passengers sustained injuries.
Driver may have dozed off
According to the preliminary investigation, police suspect that the driver may have dozed off while driving, causing him to lose control of the bus.
However, police have not yet established the exact cause of the accident. The circumstances leading to the vehicle leaving the road are being investigated.
Injured passengers shifted to hospital
The injured passengers were immediately shifted to a hospital for treatment. A senior police officer said that they are reported to be in stable condition.
The accident caused concern among motorists travelling on the busy expressway, while police and emergency personnel responded to the scene.
Bidadi police begin investigation
The Bidadi police have registered a case and launched an investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to the accident.
Officials are expected to examine the accident site and other available evidence as part of the investigation.
The incident once again highlights the importance of driver alertness, particularly while operating passenger buses on high-speed expressways.