Bus Overturns in Pilibhit: 16 Injured, Driver's License Suspended After Alleged Drowsiness
In a distressing early morning incident, a sleeper bus traveling from Delhi to Lakhimpur Kheri overturned on Pilibhit-Basti National Highway 730, resulting in injuries to sixteen passengers. The accident occurred near Kainch village under the jurisdiction of the Gajraula police station in Pilibhit district early on Monday.
Details of the Accident and Passenger Accounts
The bus was carrying a total of twenty-nine passengers at the time of the mishap. According to statements from some passengers provided to authorities, the accident likely happened after the driver allegedly dozed off while operating the vehicle. This claim has prompted immediate action from transport officials.
Following the incident, police and emergency services swiftly responded to the scene. All injured individuals were shifted to the Autonomous State Medical College located at the district headquarters for urgent medical treatment. Among the sixteen injured, seven were children ranging in age from one to fifteen years old, highlighting the vulnerability of young passengers in such accidents.
Critical Injuries and Police Response
Gajraula Station House Officer Brajveer Singh provided an update on the condition of the injured, noting that four passengers who sustained head injuries are reported to be in critical condition. The severity of these injuries underscores the potential dangers of road accidents and the importance of prompt medical intervention.
The bus overturned on a major national highway, causing significant disruption and concern among local residents and authorities. The incident has drawn attention to issues of driver fatigue and road safety on long-distance routes.
Administrative Action Against the Driver
In response to the accident, Pilibhit's assistant regional transport officer, Virendra Singh, sent a formal letter to the Lakhimpur transport department. Based on this communication, the department took decisive action by suspending the driver's license for a period of three months.
The driver, identified as Pappu Lal, is a resident of Dhaurhara Khurd village in Lakhimpur. This suspension serves as a disciplinary measure while investigations into the exact cause of the accident continue. The move aims to enforce accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
This bus overturn in Pilibhit adds to growing concerns about road safety in the region, particularly on highways where long-haul travel is common. Authorities are urging drivers to adhere to safety protocols, including adequate rest breaks, to mitigate risks associated with fatigue.
