Bengaluru School Bus Driver Kills Two Children in Horrific Hit-and-Run Attempt
In a devastating incident that has shocked Bengaluru, a school bus driver, allegedly attempting to flee after colliding with an autorickshaw, rammed into a stationary gearless scooter, resulting in the deaths of two minor children. The tragic accident occurred near the police quarters in Thanisandra, Hennur, located in the north-eastern part of the city, on Wednesday morning.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The victims have been identified as D Bhanu, aged 4, who died instantly at the scene, and N Varsha, aged 2, who succumbed to her injuries at a private hospital shortly after. Their father, Naganagauda Mali Patil, who was riding the scooter, sustained minor injuries in the crash. Police have arrested the bus driver, A Marappa, on charges of causing death due to negligence. The bus is affiliated with Hegemony Global School on Nagenahalli Main Road.
Eyewitness Account and Family Tragedy
Naganagauda Mali Patil, an assistant head constable with the City Armed Reserve and a native of Lingasugur in Raichur district, recounted the harrowing moments. He stated that he was on his way to a milk booth at approximately 8:10 am when the accident unfolded. "I had travelled barely 200 metres from my house. At the junction, I slowed down on seeing the bus approach from the road to my left. When I saw it taking a right turn, I stopped my scooter. To my shock, the driver failed to notice me and rammed straight into us. The girls, who were standing in front, fell and came under the rear wheels," he said, his voice filled with anguish.
He added, "If the driver had noticed my scooter or seen me waiting, my daughter and niece would be alive." According to onlookers, the bus had earlier brushed against an autorickshaw near Thanisandra and was speeding to evade pursuit, which likely contributed to the driver's negligence.
Emotional Aftermath and Family Background
Naganagauda described the immediate aftermath, revealing that he realized Bhanu had died on the spot. "We rushed Varsha to a nearby hospital. Doctors tried for over an hour to revive her, but in vain," he said, with tears welling up in his eyes. A family relative, Jeevangauda, provided insight into the close-knit family dynamics, explaining that Naganagauda had raised his niece, Bhavana, as his own child due to not having children for an extended period after his wedding. Even after Varsha was born, he continued to care for both girls equally, often taking them along on morning errands like visiting the milk booth or local shops.
Police Investigation and Driver's Statement
Police conducted an alcohol test on the driver, which returned negative. An officer involved in the investigation stated, "CCTV footage showed the driver is at fault, as he directly rammed into the scooter that was stationary on the road. Marappa claimed he failed to notice the scooter because he was looking at the corner of the road to check for other vehicles." This admission underscores the alleged negligence that led to the fatal crash.
Impact on School Children and Community Response
At the time of the accident, the bus was carrying 25 children, predominantly primary school students. Witnesses and residents who rushed to the scene urged the children to remain inside the bus to prevent further distress, given the sight of the injured children and blood on the road. All children were later transferred to another bus for their safety. A police officer emphasized the psychological toll, noting, "Apart from the physical safety of the children, we believe they might have been traumatised by the accident. It is important for their parents and teachers to counsel them and ensure they are emotionally supported."
This incident has raised serious concerns about road safety and driver accountability in Bengaluru, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement and community awareness to prevent such tragedies in the future.
