Kolkata witnessed two major bus accidents on Tuesday, leaving one person dead and 16 others injured. The incidents, which occurred within hours of each other, have raised concerns over road safety and speeding public transport vehicles in the city.
First Accident: Private Shuttle Bus Rams into Vehicles and Footpath
The first accident took place around 10 am at the crossing of Hughes Road and the PC Connector. According to police reports, a private app-based shuttle bus was traveling at high speed towards Science City when the driver lost control. The bus first collided with two motorcycles and a bicycle before crashing onto the footpath. The impact was severe, leaving a trail of destruction.
The motorcyclist, identified as Nityananda Mondal, 45, was declared brought dead at CNMC Hospital. His pillion rider, Riya Mondal, 23, who was wearing a helmet, survived but sustained multiple injuries and was admitted to the hospital for treatment. The bus also struck another motorcyclist, Akbar Ali, 48, and a cyclist, Ananta Kumar Nath, 68. Both are currently hospitalized and receiving medical care.
Police have seized the vehicle involved in the accident, but the driver managed to flee the scene. An investigation is underway to trace the absconding driver and determine the exact cause of the crash.
Second Accident: WBTC Bus Crashes into Pillar, 13 Injured
Earlier that morning, around 6:21 am, a West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) bus operating on the Howrah-Kamalgachi route met with an accident. The bus was reportedly speeding when it crashed into pillar number 37. The collision left 13 passengers injured. While most of the injured were discharged after receiving preliminary treatment, two passengers—Gulab, 54, and Rashid Ali, 30—sustained severe injuries and were admitted to the hospital for further care.
The North Port Police detained the driver of the WBTC bus and took custody of the damaged vehicle. Traffic on the bridge was briefly disrupted due to the accident but was later regularized by the authorities.
Safety Concerns and Police Action
These back-to-back accidents have highlighted the issue of reckless driving by public and private transport operators in Kolkata. Police have urged commuters to remain vigilant and have assured strict action against those responsible. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.
