BMTC Bus Accident Near ISRO Kills Two in Bengaluru
In a tragic incident on Wednesday night, a Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus ran over a Rapido bike near the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s U R Rao Satellite Centre on Old Airport Road. The accident, which occurred around 10 PM, claimed the lives of both the bike captain and the passenger.
Accident Details: Two Lives Lost
According to the Jeevan Bhima Nagar traffic police, the victims were identified as:
Tapas (33): The Rapido captain, originally from West Bengal, had been working in Bengaluru for over two years.
Aditya Bose (31): The passenger, also from West Bengal, was reportedly heading home after work when the accident occurred.
Eyewitnesses stated that the BMTC bus was speeding when it hit the bike from behind, causing both riders to be thrown onto the road. The bus then ran over them, resulting in fatal injuries.
Immediate Aftermath and Rescue Efforts
Passersby immediately rushed the victims to a nearby hospital. However, doctors declared both Tapas and Aditya dead on arrival.
The accident caused panic in the area, with onlookers criticizing the reckless driving of BMTC buses, which have been involved in multiple road mishaps in Bengaluru.
Driver Arrested, Conductor on the Run
By Thursday morning, the police had traced and arrested the BMTC bus driver. He is facing charges of rash driving and causing death by negligence.
However, the conductor fled the scene and is still absconding. Authorities have launched a search operation to track him down.
Eyewitness Accounts and Police Investigation
Eyewitnesses described the incident as horrific. According to a street vendor who witnessed the accident, the bus was speeding and failed to stop in time.
“The bus was moving at high speed and rammed into the bike from behind. Both riders were dragged for several meters,” said the vendor.
Police officials have confirmed that CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed to establish the exact sequence of events.
BMTC’s Troubling Safety Record
The accident has once again highlighted concerns over BMTC’s safety standards. The corporation has been frequently criticized for its drivers’ reckless driving and disregard for traffic rules.
According to Bengaluru Traffic Police data:
BMTC buses were involved in over 200 accidents in 2024.
75 fatalities were linked to BMTC buses last year.
Complaints of overspeeding and lane violations by BMTC drivers are common.
Legal Action Against the BMTC Staff
The police have registered a case against the BMTC driver under:
Section 304A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) – causing death by negligence.
Section 279 – rash and negligent driving.
Investigators are also probing whether the bus was overloaded or in violation of traffic regulations.
Rising Road Accidents in Bengaluru: A Growing Concern
Bengaluru has witnessed a surge in road accidents, with public transport vehicles frequently involved.
According to official data:
4,500 road accidents were recorded in Bengaluru in 2024, resulting in 1,200 deaths.
Two-wheelers accounted for 60% of fatalities, making them the most vulnerable.
BMTC buses were involved in a significant number of deadly collisions.
Public Outrage and Safety Concerns
The tragic accident has sparked outrage among citizens. Many residents took to social media, demanding stricter enforcement of traffic rules for public transport vehicles.
“BMTC buses are notorious for reckless driving. We need stronger regulations and penalties to prevent such tragedies,” wrote a local resident.
Traffic safety activists have also called for:
Better driver training programs for BMTC staff.
Regular fitness and safety checks for public transport buses.
Installation of speed-monitoring cameras to track reckless driving.
Government and Civic Responses
Following the accident, Bengaluru’s civic authorities have promised a thorough investigation. The transport department has assured the victims’ families that they will receive compensation.
Transport authorities are also considering implementing stricter regulations for BMTC buses, including:
Mandatory GPS monitoring to track bus speeds.
Random checks to prevent overspeeding.
Penalties for repeated traffic violations by BMTC staff.
The tragic BMTC bus accident near ISRO in Bengaluru has once again highlighted the city’s growing road safety challenges. The deaths of Rapido captain Tapas and passenger Aditya Bose have left their families in mourning and raised serious questions about BMTC’s accountability.
As the police continue their investigation, citizens are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic rules and harsher penalties for reckless driving. The incident underscores the urgent need for better road safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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