KSRTC issues press statement following tragic Talapady accident, says brakes did not fail
Mangaluru: A tragic accident involving a KSRTC bus on the Kasaragod–Mangaluru route claimed the lives of six people, including two passengers who were travelling in an autorickshaw, on Thursday afternoon near Talapady toll gate.
According to officials, the bus (registration number KA19F3407) belonging to the Mangaluru first Division was being driven by Nijaligappa Chalavadi, a senior driver with 14 years of service. The vehicle, deployed on Route No. 129/130 (Kasaragod–Mangaluru), had left Kasaragod around 12:30 pm and reached Talapady toll by 1:45 pm when the accident occurred.
Preliminary reports state that as the bus approached 150 metres before the toll, an autorickshaw suddenly entered the road. In an attempt to avoid a direct collision, the driver applied brakes, but the bus hit the auto. The impact caused the bus to go out of control, moving backwards on a slope before crashing into another autorickshaw and passengers waiting for buses by the roadside.
Two passengers inside the autorickshaw died on the spot. Four others, including the autorickshaw driver, sustained grievous injuries and were rushed to the hospital. However, despite treatment, all four later succumbed. Two more injured passengers, hit by the reversing bus, are currently undergoing treatment.
Officials confirmed that the bus had only recently been cleared in its fitness certificate (FC) renewal on August 26, ruling out any technical fault. The vehicle had completed 540 km in 10 trips since it was pressed into service on August 27.
Authorities have attributed the accident to the driver’s overspeeding and negligence. The corporation has assured that medical expenses of the injured will be borne by KSRTC.
Expressing sorrow over the incident, KSRTC Managing Director Akram Pasha said, “Despite regular training and awareness programmes for drivers, such accidents are unfortunate. We pray for peace to the departed souls and strength to the families. Strict action will be taken against the driver found guilty.”
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Minor girl kidnapped and raped; main accused and two cafe owners held
Latur (PTI): A minor girl was allegedly kidnapped and raped by an 18-year-old man in Latur, leading to the arrest of the main accused and owners of two cafes where the crime occurred on December 4, police said on Saturday.
Police traced the girl within hours of registering the complaint. The accused, identified as Rihan Gulab Shaikh, was arrested based on the girl's complaint. Two others are owners of two cafes where the crime occurred, police said.
Police registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), POCSO Act, and the Prevention of Atrocities Act, an official said.
