Mahad-type incident averted

A Mahad-type tragedy was averted in Navapur in Nandurbar district of Khandesh region of Maharashtra.

Around 17 passengers, including crew members, on board a government-owned transport bus were rescued by a group of villagers and police when it stopped on a bridge that is built across the Rangavali river, which is overflowing owing to the rain.

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus, with registration number MH 20 BL 2610, was travelling from Jalna to Surat in Gujarat. It had 15 passengers, besides the driver and conductor.

Navapur taluk is located 340 km away from downtown Mumbai. Reports said that the incident was reported around 5.30 am when the bus stopped on the bridge.

As soon as the bus stopped, the passengers raised an alarm.  One of them called 100, the police control room number and requested for immediate help. The police rushed to the spot within minutes, even as locals gathered around. They brought ropes and a JCB and commenced the rescue operations, which concluded around 6.30 am.

Taking serious note of the incident, MSRTC suspended the driver, Rakesh Dilip Sable (32), attached to the Dhule division. “We have suspended the driver,” said Ranjitsingh Deol, vice-chairman and managing director of MSRTC.

Nandurbar collector Mallinath Kalshetti took serious note of the incident.

“There is absolute error on the part of the driver. First, he took a short-cut. Secondly, he took the bus over the bridge knowing fully well that the water was flowing over the bridge,” Kalshetti said.

Recounting the harrowing experience, a passenger said: “The driver ignored the warnings...we were really worried”. 

“When the incident took place, it was dark...when we came to know about it, people rushed over,” said Nilesh Patil, a villager.