Jaipur: A tragic accident occurred Tuesday morning in the Manoharpur area of Jaipur district. A bus carrying laborers collided with a high-tension power line, causing an electric current to surge through the bus and setting it on fire.
Two people died on the spot, and more than 10 laborers sustained serious burn injuries.
Cause and Circumstances of the Accident
According to preliminary information, the bus was transporting laborers to a brick kiln in the Todi area. En route, the bus came into contact with a high-tension power line.
Gas cylinders inside the bus also exploded. Immediately after the accident, local residents rushed to the scene to help and pulled the injured laborers out of the burning bus.
Relief and Rescue Operations
District administration and police teams arrived at the scene promptly. Five seriously injured people were admitted to SMS Hospital in Jaipur. The hospital issued an alert in its emergency ward. The District Collector and police officials also reached the site.
Administration and Investigation
Preliminary investigations suggest the accident was caused by the height of the bus and the low clearance of the high-tension power line. The negligence of the electricity department is also being investigated.
Assistance has been assured to the families of the deceased, and a detailed inquiry has been ordered.
Recent Bus Accidents
Several horrific bus accidents have occurred across India, including in Rajasthan, in recent days:
October 14: Bus fire on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway, 22 deaths.
October 24: A bus-motorcycle collision followed by a fire in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, resulted in 20 deaths.
October 25: Nighttime bus fire in Madhya Pradesh; all passengers rescued.
October 26: Bus fire due to tire burst on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway; all 70 passengers are safe.
Questions on Safety and Maintenance
The series of bus accidents has raised serious questions about bus safety and maintenance. Following the Jaipur accident, there are now increased demands for an investigation into the role of the electricity department and the local administration.