Early morning accident near Jhandewalan temple raises concerns over road safety and overspeeding
New Delhi, March 25:
At least two people lost their lives and 23 others sustained injuries after a double-decker sleeper bus overturned in central Delhi’s Karol Bagh area in the early hours of Wednesday, according to police officials.
The accident took place around 1 am near the Jhandewalan temple when the bus, travelling from Jaipur in Rajasthan to Delhi, reportedly lost control and overturned on the road. Around 25 passengers were on board at the time of the incident.
Rescue Operation and Emergency Response
Police personnel and emergency response teams reached the scene soon after receiving distress calls. A rescue operation was launched immediately, as several passengers—including children—were found trapped beneath the overturned vehicle.
Authorities used emergency equipment to safely extract those trapped. The injured were promptly shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Officials said the condition of some passengers remains serious, though most injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Preliminary Cause Points to Overspeeding
Initial findings suggest that overspeeding may have contributed to the accident. Investigators are examining whether the driver lost control due to excessive speed or other factors such as road conditions or vehicle stability.
The bus driver has been taken into custody for questioning, and a detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Rising Concerns Over Passenger Safety
Accidents involving long-distance sleeper buses, particularly double-decker models, have raised safety concerns in recent years. These vehicles, designed to carry more passengers, require careful handling and adherence to speed limits, especially on urban roads.
Experts note that overspeeding remains one of the leading causes of road accidents in India. According to government data, a significant proportion of fatal crashes are linked to drivers exceeding prescribed speed limits.
Impact on Passengers and Public Safety
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring passenger safety on intercity bus routes. With many passengers travelling overnight, accidents during late-night hours can lead to delayed emergency response and higher risks for those on board.
Authorities have urged transport operators to strictly follow safety norms, including speed regulations and vehicle maintenance standards, to prevent such incidents.
Investigation Underway
Police officials said further details will emerge as the investigation progresses. The focus remains on identifying accountability and ensuring that safety protocols are enforced more rigorously.
The incident has once again brought attention to the need for stricter monitoring of commercial passenger vehicles, particularly those operating on long-distance routes into major cities like Delhi.
inputs and images : Hindustan samachar
Edited By D.Rishidhar Reddy
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