Elderly Pedestrian Critically Injured in Kolkata Bus Racing Incident
A 68-year-old pedestrian, Kailashwar Kabiraj, was severely injured and remains in critical condition after being trapped between two private buses that were reportedly racing each other on Mahatma Gandhi Road in Burrabazar, Kolkata. The incident occurred around 10 am on Tuesday, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Details of the Tragic Accident
The impact of the collision left Kabiraj with severe injuries, primarily to his hip, highlighting the dangerous consequences of reckless driving. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the two buses, identified as route 24B and route 44, sped down the busy street, endangering pedestrians and other road users.
Locals and police officers quickly responded to the emergency, rushing Kabiraj to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital for urgent medical treatment. He was admitted to the facility, where doctors are working to stabilize his condition, though his prognosis remains uncertain due to the severity of the trauma.
Police Action and Investigation
In the aftermath of the incident, law enforcement took swift action. Police detained the driver of the route 24B bus at the scene, while the driver of the route 44 vehicle fled, abandoning the bus in a desperate attempt to evade capture. Both buses have been impounded by authorities for a thorough mechanical inspection to determine if any vehicle defects contributed to the accident.
A formal case has been registered against the involved parties for rash driving and causing grievous hurt by negligence, underscoring the legal repercussions of such irresponsible behavior on public roads.
Community and Safety Concerns
This incident has reignited concerns about road safety in Kolkata, particularly in densely populated areas like Burrabazar. Residents have long complained about aggressive driving practices by private bus operators, with racing and speeding being common issues that put pedestrians at risk.
Authorities are urging drivers to adhere to traffic regulations and prioritize public safety, emphasizing that such negligence can lead to tragic outcomes. The investigation is ongoing, with police working to locate the absconding driver and gather further evidence to ensure justice is served.
