JOIN USAs many as nine students and a helper were injured after a private school bus, in which they were travelling, overturned near Arkavathi Layout on Jakkur main road on Thursday afternoon.
According to the police, the school bus of Vidyashilp Academy, located near Kempegowda International Airport by-pass road near Yelahanka, toppled while negotiating a curve. Around 12.30 pm, the driver lost control over the bus as he was overspeeding and this resulted in the bus toppling over the median.
More than 20 students from primary section were in it when the accident occurred. Two passersby climbed over the bus and broke open the window and started pulling out the students and the driver stuck inside, said the police.
The injured students were rushed to a nearby private hospital. Three of them were shifted to Columbia Asia Hospital near Hebbal while rest of them were sent back home after providing first aid, added the police.
A senior police officer said: “Only two students and the helper suffered minor head injuries and needed sutures, so they were shifted to another hospital.”
“Usually the school closes for the day by 3.30 pm. But on Thursday, due to some programme organised for senior students, the primary section students were sent home early. We were not aware about the incident, until the school authorities informed us,” said a parent. “Luckily, nothing serious happened. The driver should have realised that there were kids in the bus. But he was seen driving in a negligent manner resulting in the accident,” he added.
Kalpana, Principal of Vidya Shilp Academy, said the driver was trying to avoid another vehicle coming in the wrong direction.
“As per our knowledge, it was not his fault. He himself surrendered to the police. However, the police are conducting their own investigation to find out what exactly happened. All the children are fine.”
A R Srinivas, BEO, North-4, said though he could not visit the children, he spoke to the principal about the incident. “We will conduct a departmental inquiry from our side,” he said.
Dr Prashanth, head, Columbia Asia, Hebbal, said: “A helper has sustained minor injuries. A girl has also sustained injuries and is kept under observation. Another boy was operated upon and is doing fine.”
Based on a complaint filed by one of the parents, a case has been registered against the driver Vijendra, who has been arrested.
Outsourced bus
The bus was outsourced from a private travel company located in Banaswadi. A senior police officer said: “Every school will be asked to intimate the police, if they have outsourced the bus service and the company will be asked to submit the details of the drivers.
The spot where the accident occurred has witnessed several accidents in the past. The police said there is a curve which needs to be negotiated keenly. But most of them, come at high speed and turn causing accidents.