Sixteen passengers sustained injuries when a private bus veered off the Bengaluru-Salem National Highway and fell into a roadside pit near Karimangalam in Dharmapuri district on Thursday morning. The incident occurred around 9 AM, causing significant disruption and prompting immediate rescue operations.
The bus was en route from Krishnagiri to Dharmapuri when the accident took place. According to reports, the driver, identified as M. Santosh, 34, a resident of Karimangalam, lost control of the vehicle as it approached Ponnery village. The bus then veered off the road and plunged into a pit adjacent to the highway.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the injured passengers were promptly rescued by local residents and rushed to the Dharmapuri Government Medical College and Hospital via 108 ambulances. The Karimangalam police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that the driver may have lost control due to a momentary lapse or a sudden maneuver, leading to the vehicle leaving the roadway.
This incident highlights the recurring issues of road safety on this stretch of the National Highway. Investigations will likely focus on the condition of the bus, the driver’s state at the time of the accident, and the road conditions. The Bengaluru-Salem National Highway is a critical artery connecting two major cities, and such accidents raise concerns about the safety measures in place for commuters.
The injured passengers are currently receiving medical attention at the Dharmapuri Government Medical College and Hospital. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses and more details about the circumstances leading to the accident emerge. The police are gathering statements from eyewitnesses and passengers who were on the bus to piece together the sequence of events that led to the bus falling into the pit. The focus remains on ensuring the well-being of those injured and on understanding the root cause to prevent future occurrences.
The authorities are also expected to review the road infrastructure and safety signage in the vicinity of Ponnery village to ascertain if any improvements are necessary to enhance road safety for drivers and passengers. The timely intervention of locals and emergency services played a crucial role in minimizing the impact of the accident and ensuring that the injured received prompt medical care. The police are likely to examine vehicle maintenance records and the driver’s driving history as part of their comprehensive investigation. The condition of the road at the point of the accident will also be a key factor in the ongoing inquiry.
The Chenab Times News Desk