A devastating chain-reaction collision on National Highway 53 near Bardoli in Surat district claimed the lives of seven individuals and left 35 others injured on Tuesday afternoon. The accident occurred when a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus, after striking a tractor hauling a water tank, swerved across the road and collided with an oncoming coach, causing it to overturn and catch fire.
Details of the Incident
According to police officials, approximately 60 passengers were aboard the two MSRTC buses when the crash took place near Uva village. Preliminary investigations indicate that a Surat-Dhule bus first hit a tractor towing a water tank. The force of the impact propelled the bus into the opposite carriageway, where it slammed head-on into an MSRTC bus traveling from Chalisgaon to Surat.
The second bus was thrown off the road upon collision and overturned. It subsequently caught fire, severely complicating rescue operations as flames engulfed parts of the vehicle. Fire brigade and police teams rushed to the scene, and local residents joined in to evacuate passengers and assist in extinguishing the blaze.
Casualties and Medical Response
Officials confirmed that 35 injured persons were transported to a hospital in Bardoli. Among them, four remain in critical condition under observation, while those with minor injuries are being discharged following treatment. Rajesh Gadhiya, Superintendent of Police for Surat, stated, "Identification of the deceased passengers is underway. We are receiving assistance from MSRTC officials and other passengers. The injured individuals who are stable are being discharged from the hospital after treatment."
Investigation and Aftermath
Authorities have launched a probe into the sequence of events leading to the crash. Traffic on the highway was disrupted for several hours as rescue and clearance operations continued at the site. The tragic incident has underscored the dangers of high-speed collisions involving heavy vehicles on national highways.
