In a tragic incident on Thursday morning, a private school bus carrying around 40 children from GL Public School in Kanina town, Mahendragarh, overturned near village Unhani. The accident resulted in the deaths of six children, with five losing their lives on the spot and another succumbing to injuries in the hospital.
The bus was en route to the school despite a holiday declared for Eid-ul-Fitr. Eyewitnesses reported a sudden overturning of the bus during an attempt to overtake, leading to a loud explosion and screams of terror. The scene was chaotic, with many children sustaining serious injuries.
Upon receiving news of the accident, top police and administration officials rushed to the spot. The injured children were swiftly admitted to nearby private hospitals for treatment. However, the severity of the injuries leaves room for concern, and the death toll might increase.
Adding to the tragedy is the revelation that the school bus’s documents were not in order, with an expired fitness certificate. Despite this, the school continued to operate the bus, raising questions about safety measures.
#WATCH | Five students dead, 15 injured after a private school bus meets with an accident in Mahendragarh’s Kanina, in Haryana. pic.twitter.com/jhRvJo0hXg
— ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2024
The GL Public School, established 22 years ago, operates up to the 12th grade and is owned by Rajendra Lodha, a former chairman of the municipality. Lodha has affiliations with various political parties and has a history of public service.
In response to the incident, Haryana Education Minister Seema Trikha expressed her concern, stating that she is in communication with district officials and the education department to gather more information. When questioned about schools operating on holidays, she mentioned that she is reviewing the situation before making any official statements. Trikha also plans to visit the accident site to assess the situation firsthand.
The tragedy has drawn attention to the safety standards of private school transportation in the region. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols, especially when it comes to transporting young students. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of young lives and hopes for a swift recovery for those injured in the accident.
Further details are awaited.
