Bus mishap: 4 suspended, permits cancelled

NT Correspondent

Taking serious note of the Pavagada private bus accident which claimed six lives and injured over 20 persons, the state government has suspended four officials and also cancelled the permits of private buses that run on this route.

Replying to Rajendra Ramanna in the State Legislative Council on Monday, Transport Minister B. Sriramulu said six persons were killed and 43 persons were injured in the accident. The injured are being treated in various hospitals. A primary report had been obtained by sending officials to the spot.

The minister said the illfated bus was overloaded with passengers who had perched on the roof, since two private buses which plied on the route had been seized after accidents. The mishap occurred at a deep curve on the route. “I have examined all documents including the fitness certificate, permit and insurance papers and everything was updated. The Regional Transport Officer has been placed under suspension on charges of dereliction of duty.’’

Besides the 12 private buses operating on this route, the KSRTC is operating 14 buses to cover 40 additional villages and makes 40-50 trips daily. The families of the dead have been given Rs 5 lakh each from the government side and Rs 1 lakh as his personal contribution while Rs 50000 has been paid to each of the injured. The permits of all private buses would be cancelled and only KSRTC buses would be operated on the route.