Twelve people, including four women, were injured when a crowded BMTC bus crashed into the side ramp of a flyover and toppled on West of Chord Road in Rajajinagar on Wednesday. The accident occurred around 10.45 a.m. near 1st block Rajajinagar while the bus was heading towards Karnataka Housing Board from Kaval Byrasandra.
BMTC officials claim that the driver drove to the extreme right to save the life of a biker who suddenly came in his path. The police said the driver was not speeding when the bus hit the right parapet wall of the flyover. On impact, the bus overturned.
“Initial statements from the bus crew indicate that the incident happened when the driver tried to save the life a biker. However, an investigation is on. The bus crew were injured and are undergoing treatment,” said a BMTC official.
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The police are yet to determine the cause of the accident. “A case has been registered,” said a police officer.
Most of the patients were treated for minor injuries at KC General Hospital, said the police adding that one woman sustained fractures on her left hand.
The Malleswaram traffic police, with help of passers-by, helped the passengers and crew out of the bus. Traffic on the busy flyover was disrupted till the police brought a crane to make the bus upright and tow it away.
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"No children were involved in the accident," said Dr. Soumyalatha S.K., DCP, Traffic (West).
A passenger, Ambika, who is part of the editorial staff of a Kannada magazine, suffered a fracture in her nose. She accused BMTC officials of not helping with her hospital bills. She was first taken to KC General Hospital where doctors administered first aid and stitches. But when the nose started bleeding again, she went to a private hospital where she learned about the fracture. Though the treatment cost is estimated to be around ₹86,000, BMTC officials have offered ₹10,000 and asked her family to submit a requisition for the rest of the amount, which it will take into consideration.
On the allegation of not providing sufficient financial support, a BMT official said, “As per the rules, we can provide immediate financial help up to ₹10,000. When a medical treatment requires more money, we take estimates from the hospital concerned. We will definitely help the injured.”