Haryana schoolbus accident: 4-member panel formed to probe crash
A four-member team appointed by the government will investigate the school bus accident in Mahendragarh, Haryana, on Thursday that resulted in the deaths of six students and the injuries of 20 others. The incident occurred near Unhani hamlet in Kanina when a bus carrying 40 students from primary to secondary classes to the GL Public School collided with a tree and overturned, according to authorities. So far, three people have been arrested: the driver, the school principal, and another official.
Details of the fatal crash unfold
Police confirmed that the driver, Dharmender, was apprehended at the crash site, and a medical test verified his intoxication during the accident. An injured student told reporters that the bus was being driven at high speeds when the driver lost control. Meanwhile, locals claim the accident could have been avoided because they snatched the keys from Dharmender, who appeared to be drunk. However, after receiving assurance from the school that Dharmender would be replaced, the key was returned to him.
Arrests and investigations follow tragic incident
Several parents had also informed the school authorities about the driver's drinking habits, according to the news agency PTI. In fact, they informed the school on Thursday that the driver was intoxicated. Other questions raised after the crash include why the school was open on Eid, which is a public holiday. Seema Trikha, the state education minister, said an investigation is being conducted to determine why the school was open on a holiday.
School's oversight and legal violations highlighted
It is also reported that the bus's fitness certificate had expired in 2018. The assistant secretary of district transport-cum-secretary in Mahendragarh was suspended after it was discovered that the bus lacked the necessary documentation. The Additional Transport Commissioner (Road Safety) has been instructed to conduct an extensive investigation into the accident's causes and identify those accountable. District Education Officer Monika Gupta has suggested to the state government that the school's recognition be revoked due to these violations.
