A late-night bus crash in Maharashtra's Chandrapur district has resulted in a heartbreaking loss of a young life and left dozens injured. The accident occurred when a private bus carrying migrant labourers overturned on a perilous curve, highlighting the dangers of night travel on such routes.
Tragedy Strikes on a Dangerous Curve
The fatal incident took place around 11 pm on Friday near Akapur in Mul taluka. The bus, operated by Dube Travels of Chhattisgarh, was transporting approximately 50 migrant workers, including women and children, from Chhattisgarh to Hyderabad. They were travelling in search of employment opportunities.
According to preliminary reports, the driver lost control of the vehicle as it navigated a sharp and notoriously dangerous bend. The bus subsequently overturned. Many of the passengers were asleep at the time, which likely exacerbated the panic and injuries as the vehicle rolled over.
Rescue Efforts and Aftermath
The loud crash and the subsequent cries of the injured passengers alerted locals, who rushed to the spot to help. Police teams also arrived swiftly at the accident site. Given the severity of the overturn, a crane had to be summoned to lift the bus and rescue the labourers who were trapped inside.
The injured victims were immediately transported to the Mul sub-district hospital for urgent medical treatment. Tragically, among the casualties was six-year-old Kirti Raut, a resident of Bhagwantola village in Chhattisgarh, who succumbed to her injuries. In total, at least 35 passengers sustained injuries in the devastating crash.
Driver Arrested, Police Probe Underway
Following the accident, Mul police arrested the bus driver, Manish Rajak (36), on charges of rash and negligent driving. A formal case has been registered at the Mul police station.
Police Inspector Subodh Wanjari is leading the further investigation into the exact causes of the accident. The probe will examine factors such as driver fatigue, vehicle speed, and the condition of the road at the sharp curve near Akapur. This tragic event underscores the critical need for heightened safety measures for long-distance night travel, especially for vulnerable migrant populations.
