Kolkata Wedding Party Bus Crash Leaves 15 Injured, Sparks Clash During Rescue
A private luxury bus transporting a wedding party collided with a truck on BT Road in Sodepur, Kolkata, in the early hours of Tuesday, resulting in injuries to at least 15 individuals, with four reported to be in serious condition. The incident, which occurred around 5 am, has drawn attention due to the subsequent altercation that erupted during rescue efforts, heightening tensions in the area.
Details of the Collision and Immediate Aftermath
According to local sources, the accident took place near the Panihati Sporting Club when the bus, which was heading towards Dunlop, rammed into a truck from behind. The bus was carrying approximately 45 members of a marriage party who were returning home after attending a wedding ceremony in Shantingar, Palta. Witnesses described the bus as moving at a breakneck speed, with the driver allegedly losing control, leading to the violent collision.
Subir Dey, a local trader who witnessed the aftermath, stated, "The bus was moving at a breakneck speed. The driver apparently lost control and rammed into the truck from behind." Most passengers were asleep at the time, causing panic and injuries as they were jolted awake by the impact.
Mousumi Sengupta, a resident of Bonhooghly in Baranagar and a passenger on the bus, recounted, "It was around 5 am and most of us were sleeping inside the bus after attending a relative's wedding. Suddenly, we were jolted awake by a loud sound and a violent jerk. Many passengers screamed in pain and panic. I hit the front seat and suffered a deep injury on my forehead."
Rescue Operation and Subsequent Clash
Local residents quickly rushed to the scene to assist in rescuing passengers trapped inside the damaged bus. However, the rescue operation was marred by an altercation that broke out between some members of the marriage party and local residents. Accusations of misbehavior reportedly sparked the argument, which escalated into a brief physical clash, creating additional tension in the area.
Upon receiving information, a police team from the Khardah police station arrived at the spot and managed to bring the situation under control. The injured passengers were promptly transported to the College of Medicine and Sagar Dutta Hospital in Kamarhati for medical treatment. Hospital sources confirmed that four of the injured individuals are still undergoing treatment and are in serious condition.
Police Investigation and Statements
Police authorities seized both the damaged bus and the truck involved in the accident as part of their ongoing investigation. Arrangements were made by the police to send the remaining members of the marriage party back home in another vehicle to ensure their safety and convenience.
A senior officer from the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate provided insights into the preliminary findings, stating, "A preliminary investigation suggests that the accident may have been caused by reckless driving along with reduced visibility during the early morning hours. A case was also registered regarding the alleged clash between the marriage party and local residents." The police have initiated a thorough investigation into both the accident and the subsequent clash to determine the exact causes and hold responsible parties accountable.
This incident highlights the dangers of reckless driving, especially during early morning hours when visibility is often compromised. It also underscores the challenges faced during emergency rescue operations in tense situations. The community and authorities are now focused on supporting the injured and ensuring such accidents are prevented in the future through stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and safety measures.
