Survivors of Purvanchal Expressway Bus Crash Initially Mistook Accident for Earthquake
In a harrowing incident on the Purvanchal Expressway near Gosainganj, survivors of a sleeper bus crash have revealed that the terrifying moments immediately after the vehicle overturned led many to believe they were experiencing a natural disaster rather than a road accident. The chaotic scene, marked by a deafening crash of metal, bodies being flung, and clouds of dust engulfing the highway, created a perception among passengers that an earthquake had struck.
Passenger Accounts Describe Terrifying Seconds of Confusion
Radha Rani, a passenger traveling from Ludhiana to Bihar, recounted the sudden and violent nature of the accident. "The bus suddenly flipped. Only after it overturned did I realise an accident had happened," she said, highlighting the disorienting speed of events that left little time for comprehension.
Bijaya Rai from Bihar, who sustained injuries and was seen clutching his bandaged arm, shared a similar sentiment. "We thought it was an earthquake. The sound of metal crashing and bodies being thrown around was terrifying," he recalled, emphasizing the auditory and physical chaos that contributed to the mistaken belief.
Detailed Descriptions of the Chaotic Scene
Ayushi, a 40-year-old from Katihar, described the sudden jolt that left passengers with no opportunity to react. "The ground shook, dust filled the air, and I thought some natural calamity struck. We had no chance to run," she said, painting a vivid picture of the immediate aftermath that resembled seismic activity.
Raman Kumar used dramatic imagery to convey the intensity of the crash, stating, "It felt like the sky fell on us," while Mohammed Afzal from Motihari expressed fears of being buried alive amidst the debris and confusion.
Witness to the Violent Overturning of the Bus
Vimla Devi from Muzaffarpur, who was traveling from Punjab, provided a detailed account of the bus's movements. She described how the vehicle "turned on its side and cartwheeled twice", resulting in passengers and luggage being thrown in all directions. This violent motion exacerbated the chaos and contributed to the initial perception of a natural disaster.
The collective testimonies from survivors underscore the sheer force and suddenness of the accident, which momentarily blurred the line between a man-made tragedy and a natural catastrophe. The incident has raised concerns about road safety on expressways and the psychological impact of such traumatic events on passengers.
