Asansol, 20 April (H.S.) : Several people, including a seven-year-old girl, were injured after an out-of-control bus ploughed into a crowded area in Asansol’s Railpar locality on Sunday evening. Officials said seven of the injured are in critical condition.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred shortly after the conclusion of an election programme held in support of Trinamool Congress candidate Malay Ghatak.
Witnesses said a speeding bus suddenly entered the area and lost control. The vehicle, bearing the words “West Bengal Police,” allegedly rammed through a cemetery wall before crashing into roadside shops, auto-rickshaws and battery-operated toto vehicles.
Several people standing nearby were hit in the chaos, including a seven-year-old child. Local sources said at least seven victims sustained serious injuries, some of them in a critical state.
Allegations have surfaced that the bus was being driven by a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawan who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. However, officials have not yet confirmed the claim.
The accident triggered panic and anger in the locality. Enraged residents reportedly vandalised the bus and staged protests on the road. A heavy police presence, along with central force personnel, was deployed to bring the situation under control.
TMC candidate Malay Ghatak later visited the spot and appealed for calm. He assured proper medical treatment for the injured and called for a fair investigation.
Police have launched a probe into the incident and are examining all angles, including the role of the driver and possible negligence. Tension continued to prevail in the area late into the evening.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
