School Bus Mows Down Man, Students Safe

VISAKHAPATNAM: Nearly 30 students of a private school had a narrow escape when the school bus they were travelling in went out of control and ran over a pedestrian before ramming into an electric pole at Ravanapalli village of Golugonda mandal near Narsipatnam in the district here Monday. While all students escaped with minor injuries, the pedestrian died while undergoing treatment at Narsipatnam.

According to the preliminary reports, a bus belonging to Rushi Valley School of Narsipatnam town was picking up students from Etigairammapeta, about 8 km away from Narsipatnam. At around 8 am, the bus driver lost control of the vehicle at Ravanapalli village and ran over a pedestrian J Devudu (34) on the road, before hitting an electric pole. The bus then flipped onto its side.

The schoolchildren and Devudu were immediately rushed to the Narsipatnam Government Area Hospital. Around 13 children who received minor injuries were treated in the hospital, while J Devudu, a farmer from the same village, succumbed to injuries.

Bad condition of the vehicle as well as the road, coupled with rains Sunday night are learnt to have led to the incident. Narsipatnam police have registered a case and are investigating.

Similar Mishap Averted

In another incident, another private school bus too lost control in Narsipatnam area after the front wheel of the bus got detached from the vehicle.

The bus driver observed the danger and used his expertise to bring the bus to a halt at the right time, mere minutes before the front wheel got completely detached from the vehicle. No case was registered in this regard and all students escaped unhurt.

Not So Nice a Ride:

As per norms, all school buses should renew the fitness certificate issued by the RTA officials every year. But a majority of school buses are not renewing the certificates or approaching the RTA officials despite stringent warnings. Officials alleged that the school managements are also not abiding by the rules with regard to the fitness of the bus and the driver.

School Buses in Visakhapatnam Dist:

•  Registered: 1,462
•  Seized: 168 in last three months.

Bus Drivers Requirements:

•  Must be below 50 years in age.
•  Should have at least 5 years of experience.
•  Must not be suffering from any eye-sight problems.

Other Regulations:

•  A teaching/non-teaching staff should be present in the bus.
•  A person from parents association also should accompany.
•  The bus should be in perfect condition.

Punishment for Violators:

•  Huge fines.
•  Driver would be sent to remand if the case is severe.