Bengaluru bus accident: They survive, but lose hard-earned savings

Bengaluru: What began as a late-night journey home turned into a nightmare for 30 passengers travelling from Bengaluru to Kalaburagi after the private semi-sleeper bus they were in lost control and crashed into an electricity pole near Kerekattiganuru Cross, close to Nelamangala, in the early hours of Friday. Although all the passengers escaped without physical injuries, many were left traumatised and financially devastated as the bus later caught fire and was completely gutted.For Shivananda Hiremath, a resident of Jewargi taluk in Kalaburagi district who works as a cab driver in Bengaluru, survival came at a crushing cost. He lost about Rs 5 lakh in cash kept in his luggage—money he arranged to get his family's pledged jewellery back home. "That money was my family's lifetime savings," he said, visibly shaken. "Everything we worked for was burnt and turned into ashes in front of our eyes."
Several passengers blamed the mishap on rash and reckless driving. The bus, operated by a private travel company, was scheduled to depart from the Majestic area at 10pm Thursday but left nearly 45 minutes late. Passengers alleged the driver was speeding to make up for lost time. "He kept overtaking vehicles dangerously," Shivananda alleged. "At one point, there was a scooter ahead and a truck coming from the opposite side. He tried to squeeze through at high speed, lost control, and the bus skidded into a ditch."Passengers said they repeatedly urged the driver to slow down as fear spread inside the bus. "He was rude and ignored us completely," Shivananda said. "We knew something bad would happen."Shock turned into disbelief after the accident as the bus crew allegedly fled the spot, abandoning passengers on a dark highway."After 1 hour, flames engulfed the vehicle, destroying all luggage, cash, documents and personal belongings," Hiremath told media persons. For another passenger, Shilpa, survival came with heartbreak. "We are alive, but we lost everything—our savings, valuables and peace of mind," she said.MSID:: 127999673 413 |