Kolkata Bus Narrowly Escapes Tragedy as Giant Krishnachura Tree Collapses
A major disaster was narrowly averted in Kolkata on Sunday morning when a massive Krishnachura tree suddenly collapsed onto a moving private bus. The incident occurred around 9 am in the Lake Town area, specifically near the Milan Sangha Club, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Alert Driver Prevents Catastrophe on Route 223
The bus, operating on route 223, was carrying several passengers when the tree gave way. According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports, the bus driver demonstrated exceptional alertness and quick reflexes. Seeing the tree falling, he swerved the vehicle at the last possible moment, significantly reducing the direct impact.
This decisive action meant the tree primarily struck the front section of the bus rather than the passenger cabin. All commuters on board were safely evacuated immediately following the collapse. Miraculously, no injuries were reported among the passengers, the driver, or any pedestrians, marking a fortunate escape from what could have been a severe tragedy.
Collateral Damage and Major Traffic Snarls
While the bus and its occupants were spared, the falling tree did not leave the scene unscathed. Three parked cars in the vicinity were damaged by the branches and trunk of the large Krishnachura. The scale of the tree made clearing the road a lengthy operation.
Local police and fire department personnel rushed to the site. It took several hours for the teams to cut and remove the debris, completely blocking the thoroughfare during the process. This led to significant traffic disruption throughout Lake Town and adjoining neighborhoods.
Authorities were forced to divert vehicular flow, resulting in severe congestion on alternative routes. Commuters faced long delays as the cleanup operation unfolded on Sunday morning.
Investigation into the Cause Underway
Following the incident, Kolkata police have initiated an assessment to determine the precise cause of the tree's collapse. Investigators are examining several potential factors, including:
- The structural integrity and health of the aged Krishnachura tree.
- Possible root damage or soil erosion around its base.
- External environmental conditions prior to the event.
The incident has raised concerns about the maintenance and safety auditing of large, mature trees along busy city routes, especially before the monsoon season when such events are more common.
