In a tragic incident in Gujarat's Surendranagar district, four people lost their lives and ten others sustained injuries after a bus collided with a tanker, resulting in a fire. The accident occurred on the highway near the village of Lakhtar, approximately 100 kilometers from Ahmedabad.
Details of the Accident
The bus was traveling from Ahmedabad to Jamnagar when it collided head-on with a tanker carrying diesel. The impact caused the bus to catch fire immediately. Local authorities and emergency services rushed to the spot to extinguish the flames and rescue passengers. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Rescue and Relief Operations
District officials confirmed that rescue operations were swift, with fire tenders and ambulances arriving at the scene within minutes. The fire was brought under control after an hour-long effort. Police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and announced compensation for the victims. The state government has assured all possible assistance to the injured.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus driver lost control while trying to overtake another vehicle, leading to the collision. The tanker driver also sustained minor injuries. The bus was operated by a private company, and the passengers included families and laborers heading to their workplaces.
This incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of traffic rules and better road safety measures on highways. Authorities are investigating whether the tanker was carrying excess fuel or if the bus was speeding.
