Bhubaneswar: Hours after an Ama Bus ran over a woman in Puri, another accident involving the state-run bus service was reported in Bhubaneswar on Friday.
According to sources, the bus struck a motorcycle on the bustling Janpath road in the Odisha capital this afternoon, leaving the two-wheeler rider seriously injured. Following which, he was rushed to Capital Hospital for immediate medical treatment.
The incident quickly escalated as angry locals gathered at the scene, accusing the bus driver of reckless driving. The crowd then vandalised the Ama Bus, shattering its windows and causing significant damage. A total of three buses in the vicinity were targeted during the protest. The bus driver and conductor fled the spot to escape public anger, while traffic on Janpath was disrupted for some time.
Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena along with police from the local station soon arrived at the spot, pacified the irate crowd, and restored normal traffic flow.
The bus and the motorcycle were seized, and the driver was later detained for questioning. Two youths were also detained for vandalism. An investigation is underway. The footage from nearby CCTV cameras are being examined to determine the exact cause of the accident and whether speeding or negligence played a role.
Speaking to the media, the DCP strongly condemned acts of vandalism following the accident. “Accidents can occur even involving private vehicles, but no one has the right to resort to destruction of property under the pretext of an accident.This is an antisocial act, and it will not be tolerated at all. I have taken this matter very seriously, and strict action will be taken against those responsible,” he added.
This is the second accident involving Ama Buses operated by the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) in Bhubaneswar this month. An auto-rickshaw driver was killed and two passengers were injured when a bus rammed into the three-wheeler from behind at a red light stop at Rupali Square here. The auto was crushed between the Ama Bus and a school bus ahead.
