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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India moving towards becoming global economic powerhouse: Kovind
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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.
The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.
"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.
The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.
He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.
