Tragic school bus accident claims 7 lives in Haryana's Narnaul, driver allegedly drunk
PTC News Desk: Tragedy struck in Rohtak as a school bus, carrying 30 children from GL Public School in Kanina, Haryana, overturned near Unhani village in Mahendergarh district on Thursday morning. The devastating accident claimed the lives of at least seven children, while 13 others sustained injuries.
According to police officials, the accident occurred when the driver attempted to overtake another vehicle. Notably, the school remained open despite the holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr.
Following the incident, the injured students were swiftly transported to various hospitals in Mahendergarh and Narnaul for urgent medical attention. Shockingly, it was revealed that the bus had been operating with an expired fitness certificate, which had lapsed six years ago in 2018, as confirmed by a senior police official.
#WATCH | Five students dead, 15 injured after a private school bus meets with an accident in Mahendragarh's Kanina, in Haryana. pic.twitter.com/jhRvJo0hXg — ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2024
Expressing deep sorrow over the tragic event, Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to social media, extending his condolences to the families of the deceased children. He assured that the local administration is actively assisting the injured children in their recovery process.
#WATCH | Haryana: A student, who suffered injuries after a private school bus met with an accident in Mahendragarh's Kanina says, "...The driver was drunk and he kept the speed at 120 which led to misbalance..." pic.twitter.com/zdheKME2CE — ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2024
Amit Shah's heartfelt message reflected the nation's collective grief and hopes for the swift healing of those affected by the accident.
हरियाणा के महेंद्रगढ़ में स्कूल बस का दुर्घटनाग्रस्त होना बेहद दुःखद है। मेरी संवेदनाएँ मृतक बच्चों के शोक संतप्त परिजनों के साथ है। ईश्वर उन्हें यह दुःख सहने की शक्ति प्रदान करें। स्थानीय प्रशासन के द्वारा घायल बच्चों को सहायता पहुँचाई जा रही है। उनके शीघ्र स्वस्थ होने की कामना… — Amit Shah (Modi Ka Parivar) (@AmitShah) April 11, 2024
The exact cause of the crash remains unclear as investigations continue. However, this tragic event has raised concerns about the safety standards of school transportation and underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations to prevent such devastating accidents in the future.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus driver exhibited signs of intoxication
According to Mahendergarh SP Arsh Verma, medical professionals are currently conducting a thorough examination of the bus driver to determine his level of inebriation.
Verma also stated that they are scrutinising the documents pertaining to the bus. Furthermore, they are yet to contact the school authorities to establish their accountability in the matter. Additionally, the SP mentioned that two children remain in critical condition and are receiving medical attention, while sadly, six children have already lost their lives.
Haryana's education minister, Seema Trikha, confirmed that she has engaged with the deputy commissioner and the Mahendergarh superintendent of police. They are tasked with visiting the hospital where the injured students are being treated and initiating an investigation into the incident.
- With inputs from agencies
