On 5 October 2022, a bus carrying 47 people crashed into the back of a KSRTC bus in Vadakkencherry, Palakkad district of Kerala at night.[1] 9 people (5 students, 1 teacher and 4 travelers in the KSRTC bus) were killed and 38 were injured in the accident.[2] The accident occurred due to the over speed of the bus and the driver's negligence.[3] On further investigation it was found that the speed governor of the bus had detached from its fitting.[4] Driver Jomon went in unstable mental stage and committed suicide in 1 August 2024.
| 2022 Palakkad bus accident | |
|---|---|
| Details | |
| Date | 5 October 2022 10.30 PM IST |
| Location | Vadakkanjery, Palakkad, Kerala |
| Country | India |
| Operator | Private bus |
| Incident type | Crashed into another bus |
| Statistics | |
| Passengers | 47 |
| Deaths | 10 |
| Injured | 38 |
The Motor Vehicle Department’s final report on the accident concluded that over-speeding by the tourist bus was the primary cause of the fatal incident. The investigation involved thorough analysis of CCTV footage, interviews with injured individuals, and testimonies from those engaged in the immediate rescue efforts.
Furthermore, the report dismisses determined the collision was not the result of the KSRTC bus suddenly braking, but rather the fault of the tourist bus driver.
Aftermath
editAfter the accident, Kerala high court registered a case suo motu and criticized the transport department for not making strict safety norms for private bus operators.[5][6] After this incident, all buses are colored in white with standard lines across, Strict Restrictions came for adding accessories in buses.
References
edit- ^ "Kerala bus accident: Nine killed in Palakkad, PM announces ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh". Financialexpress. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
- ^ "Bus taking Kerala schoolkids on trip to Ooty crashes, 9 killed". The Indian Express. 6 October 2022. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
- ^ "Kerala: Nine killed, including five school children in bus collision". Hindustan Times. 6 October 2022. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
- ^ "Students Among 9 Dead As Kerala School Trip Bus Collides With Another Bus". NDTV.com. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
- ^ "Bus accident aftermath: Modified pvt vehicles under Kerala govt's scanner". Hindustan Times. 11 October 2022. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
- ^ "Palakkad bus accident: Kerala HC seeks report from police, MVD". Deccan Herald. 6 October 2022. Retrieved 26 October 2022.