Wedding Bus Overturns in Latehar, Killing Seven and Injuring Dozens
A tragic bus accident in Jharkhand's Latehar district claimed seven lives and left more than eighty people injured on Sunday. The vehicle was transporting wedding guests when it overturned after its brakes failed completely.
Details of the Fatal Crash
The accident occurred in the Orsa Bangladara valley area under Mahuadanr police station limits. Police officials confirmed the bus carried approximately ninety passengers. They were traveling from Balrampur district in Chhattisgarh to attend a wedding ceremony in Mahuadanr.
Superintendent of Police Kumar Gaurav provided initial details. He stated the bus overturned, resulting in five immediate fatalities. Among those killed on the spot, four were women. Emergency responders rushed all injured individuals to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Rising Death Toll and Injury Count
One more victim succumbed to injuries while receiving care at the Mahuadanr community health centre. This brought the total death count to seven people. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vipin Kumar Dubey outlined the scale of injuries.
He reported sixty injured passengers received admission to the Mahuadanr community health centre. More than twenty others required transfer to RIMS Ranchi, a private hospital with advanced facilities. Medical teams worked tirelessly to stabilize all patients.
Driver's Account of Brake Failure
The bus driver explained the mechanical failure that led to the disaster. He said the vehicle's primary braking system malfunctioned unexpectedly. Despite desperate attempts to use the handbrake and switch off the engine, he could not regain control.
The bus eventually overturned on the road, causing massive damage and casualties. This account highlights the critical role of vehicle maintenance on India's highways.
Political Response and Medical Efforts
Chief Minister Hemant Soren took immediate notice of the tragedy. He posted on social media platform X, urging the Latehar deputy commissioner to ensure proper medical facilities for all injured victims. His directive emphasized providing the best possible care to save lives.
Local authorities coordinated rescue operations and medical responses throughout the day. The community health centre in Mahuadanr mobilized all available resources to handle the influx of patients.
Broader Implications for Road Safety
This accident underscores persistent road safety challenges in rural districts. Brake failures in overloaded vehicles remain a significant hazard on Indian roads. Such incidents often occur during long journeys for social functions like weddings.
Experts call for stricter vehicle fitness checks and better highway maintenance. They also emphasize the need for emergency medical infrastructure in remote areas to handle mass casualty events effectively.
