In a devastating incident on Thursday morning, a school bus carrying 37 students met with an accident in Mahendergarh, resulting in the loss of six young lives and leaving 21 others injured. The tragic event occurred when the allegedly intoxicated driver lost control of the bus, causing it to overturn after colliding with a tree near Kanina Women’s College in southern Haryana.
Eyewitnesses reported observing the bus maneuvering erratically just moments before the accident, which took place approximately 6 KM from the nearest village. According to police reports, the driver attempted to overtake a truck at a bend in the road, leading to the fatal collision.
Victims of Mahendergarh Bus Accident
Among the victims were six teenage boys identified as Satyam Sharma, Yuvraj, Vansh, Yashu, Ricky, and Anshu, belonging to different classes at GL Public School, to which the bus was affiliated. Tragically, four students lost their lives on the spot, while two succumbed to their injuries during treatment at a nearby hospital in Rewari.
The driver of the ill-fated bus, identified as Dharmendra, managed to escape unscathed and was later apprehended by law enforcement authorities. Subsequent medical tests confirmed suspicions of intoxication, leading to his arrest along with the school’s principal, Deepti Vasi Kanina, and secretary Hoshiar Singh Vasi.
State Education Minister Seema Trikha expressed her concern over the incident, particularly questioning the decision to operate the school on a public holiday. She emphasized the need for accountability and pledged to take action against those responsible for the negligence.
What does the Police Investigation Says
Police investigations revealed glaring violations of safety regulations by the school authorities. Documents obtained from the transport department indicated that the bus had not renewed its fitness certificate since August 23, 2018. Additionally, its insurance had lapsed in 2017, and road taxes had not been paid since the same year. Moreover, the bus lacked essential safety features such as window grilles and a first aid box, further highlighting the disregard for student welfare.In response to the tragedy, Deputy Commissioner Monika Gupta took swift action by petitioning for the cancellation of the school’s affiliation, citing gross negligence. Furthermore, Pradeep Kumar, an assistant secretary at the Regional Transport Office (RTO), faced suspension for failing to enforce proper regulations, allowing the school bus to operate without valid documentation for an extended period.
Amidst the somber aftermath, Prime Minister Modi and President Murmu offered their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, underscoring the collective grief felt across the nation. As investigations continue, the tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the imperative to prioritize safety measures in school transportation and uphold accountability for the well-being of students.
