A potentially catastrophic accident was narrowly avoided on Bhadbhada Road in Bhopal on Monday evening, sending shockwaves through the city. An out-of-control JCB earth-moving machine rolled backwards down a slope and violently crashed into a college bus that was following closely behind.
Moment of Impact on Bhadbhada Bridge Slope
The terrifying incident unfolded around 6 pm on Monday near the Bhadbhada Bridge area. According to Ratibad SHO RB Sharma, the stretch was experiencing heavy traffic, forcing vehicles to move at a slow pace. It was during this crawl that the JCB, positioned ahead of the bus on the downward slope, suddenly began rolling backwards without warning.
The bus driver had virtually no time to react or take evasive action. The runaway machine slammed into the front of the bus with tremendous force. The impact was so severe that the rear portion of the JCB smashed through the bus's windscreen and penetrated the interior, reaching all the way to the driver's seat.
Miraculous Escape for Bus Driver and Staff
In what can only be described as a stroke of immense luck, the bus was not carrying any students at the time of the collision. Only the driver, the conductor, and one or two staff members were present inside the vehicle. This fact alone prevented what could have been a massive loss of young lives.
Miraculously, the bus driver escaped with only minor injuries despite the JCB's arm piercing through the front of the bus and invading the cabin space. The quick thinking or sheer fortune that led to this outcome has been noted by officials at the scene.
Major Traffic Disruption and Aftermath
The dramatic crash had immediate and severe consequences for the evening commute. The accident led to a long traffic jam on the busy Bhadbhada Road. With one lane completely blocked by the entangled vehicles, traffic was forced to merge and pass through a single lane from the Bhadbhada Bridge, causing significant delays for hours.
Local police swiftly arrived to manage the chaotic scene, initiate an investigation, and coordinate the clearing of the wreckage to restore normal traffic flow. The incident has raised serious questions about safety protocols for heavy machinery operating on crowded city roads and slopes, prompting calls for stricter enforcement.
