School bus overturns, 30 hurt

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 1

As many as 26 students were injured after a school bus overturned when its driver tried to avoid a collision with a motorcycle near Jassowal village here today.

Students were sent home following first-aid while the motorcyclist, identified as Ajaib Singh, and bus driver Karamjit Singh were admitted to a hospital. Both of them have suffered severe injuries. However, they were stated to be out of danger.

The incident took place this morning while the private bus was ferrying students of DAV School, Pakhowal Road.

When the bus reached near Jassowal village, it met with an accident.

According to an eyewitness, in order to avoid a collision with the motorcycle, the bus driver applied the brakes and took a sharp turn due to which the vehicle overturned.

A majority of the students travelling in the bus were from Mandi Ahmedgarh.

Residents of the village rushed to rescue the trapped students as they feared the bus might catch fire due to leaking diesel.

Soon, all children were rescued and the younger ones, who were in a state of shock, were consoled. Their parents were also informed about the incident. The bus driver and the motorcyclist were rushed to a hospital in the 108 emergency ambulance.

In the meantime, the Dehlon police arrived at the spot. The bus was removed from the road. The school bags and tiffins of students, which were scattered all over the road, were collected by volunteers.

A police official said it was not yet clear who was at fault. But prima facie it appeared the school bus was moving at a high speed due to which it overturned when it took a sharp turn. 

The school bus driver and the motorcyclist were not in a condition to record their statements. Appropriate action will be taken soon in the matter, he said.