A tragic road accident in Gujarat's Rajkot district claimed the lives of two women and left 20 others injured when a private passenger bus overturned on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred on the Rajkot-Morbi highway near Kuvadava village, approximately 15 kilometers from Rajkot city.
Details of the Accident
The bus was traveling from Morbi to Rajkot when the driver lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle. The bus veered off the road and overturned into a roadside ditch. Rescue operations were immediately launched by local police and emergency services. The injured were rushed to Rajkot Civil Hospital and nearby clinics for treatment.
Victims and Injuries
The deceased have been identified as Hansaben Parmar, 45, and Manjulaben Parmar, 50, both residents of Morbi district. Among the 20 injured, five are reported to be in critical condition. The driver of the bus, identified as Ramesh Solanki, sustained minor injuries and is being questioned by police.
Local authorities have registered a case of rash driving against the driver. Preliminary investigations suggest that the bus was overspeeding at the time of the accident. The vehicle has been seized for further mechanical inspection.
Official Response
Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghvi expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured all possible assistance to the injured. He stated that the government would provide compensation of Rs. 4 lakh to the families of each deceased and free medical treatment for the injured.
Rajkot District Collector and Superintendent of Police visited the accident site and the hospital to assess the situation. They have ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident.
Road Safety Concerns
This accident highlights the persistent issue of road safety in Gujarat. According to National Crime Records Bureau data, Gujarat recorded over 12,000 road accidents in 2022, resulting in more than 8,000 fatalities. Speeding and reckless overtaking remain leading causes of such incidents.
Local residents have demanded better road infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic rules on the Rajkot-Morbi highway. The highway has witnessed several accidents in recent years due to poor lighting and lack of dividers at certain stretches.
