PMPML Bus Crashes into Wedding Card Shop in Pune, Driver Blames Distraction
A Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) bus crashed into a wedding card shop on Bajirao Road, near Appa Balwant Chowk, on Tuesday afternoon, causing significant property damage but fortunately resulting in no injuries. The incident occurred around 3:45 PM, when the bus, en route from Wadgaon Budruk to Pune railway station, veered off the road and collided with the shop's glass door and furniture.
No Injuries Reported Despite Close Call
Inspector Arun Ghodke of the Vishrambaug police station confirmed that there were no casualties or injuries in the accident. "Thankfully, no one was standing at the door of the card shop at the time of the crash," he stated. The bus was carrying approximately 15 passengers, all of whom escaped unharmed. Shopkeeper Vinod Patange later recorded his statement with the police, leading to a case being registered against the PMPML bus driver.
Driver Distracted by Tanker, Loses Control
According to police investigations, the accident was caused by driver distraction rather than any mechanical failure. Inspector Ghodke explained, "We checked the bus thoroughly and found no technical or mechanical issues. The driver admitted that he was distracted for a few seconds while trailing a tanker on the road." The bus came dangerously close to the tanker due to this lapse in attention.
When the driver noticed the tanker, he abruptly turned the steering wheel to the right to avoid a collision, but in doing so, he lost control of the vehicle. The bus then swerved and crashed into the wedding card shop, also damaging two two-wheelers parked nearby.
Traffic Disruption and Aftermath
The crash led to a traffic jam on Bajirao Road for nearly 15 minutes, disrupting normal flow in the busy area. Authorities quickly responded to manage the situation and clear the wreckage. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety and driver attentiveness in urban transit systems.
Police are continuing their inquiry into the matter, emphasizing the importance of vigilance while operating public transport vehicles to prevent such occurrences in the future.
